《Since She Met Lucian》


 Chapter 1 Dealing With Adultery

    Chapter 1 Dealing With Adultery


    "Today is a good day. We can get what we want. Our hearts open up and we love each other... "


    "Ding Dong, Ding Dong..."


    A happy song yed on Amelia''s iPod that reflected her exact state of mind. Just then, the doorbell


    rang. Amelia Mo turned around towards the door with acent smile. She was so excited that her


    heart was beating against her chest. Amelia Mo thought it was her love on the other side of the door.


    Who else could it be? He hade here to celebrate her 25th birthday.


    It must be her boyfriend, Jasper Gu. Amelia''s heart welled up with joy as she thought that Jasper had


    come back home early to make her feel special on her birthday. Amelia Mo pulled the new shirt she


    was wearing to make it prim and proper before she rushed to answer the door. Her face broke into a


    hearty smile, her cheeks adorned by the two sweet dimples. She unlocked the door and swung it open.


    Her happy face turned into a disappointed expression to find the person who was standing outside the


    door. Her beautiful smile gave away to a disgruntled frown as she asked, "What makes youe


    here?"


    "I havee here to give you the wedding invitation in person," Ynda Mo said in a cold tone. She


    looked at Amelia Mo through the corner of her skillfully made-up eyes and false eyshes.


    "There was no need for it because I won''te to the wedding," Amelia Mo reverted with equal


    indifference and coldness which matched that of Ynda''s way. After saying that, Amelia was about to


    close the door on Ynda''s face.


    Just as Amelia was about to close the door, Ynda Mo leaned against the door and forcefully popped


    the red wedding invitation card inside the room through the crack of the door. Amelia was left aghast at


    this intruding gesture while Ynda sported a triumphant smile and said, "Amelia, please be there. It''s


    time for you to face reality."


    "What''s wrong with you?" Amelia Mo remarked as she found Ynda Mo turn around and rush out of


    her sight. If Ynda Mo didn''t run as fast as she could, Amelia Mo would definitely have had a big fight


    with her.


    Amelia was least bothered about Ynda''s marriage.


    "For a fickle-minded girl like Ynda who changed her boyfriend faster than changing her clothes, the


    very idea of getting married sounded like a joke. How ridiculous!"


    Amelia casually threw the marriage invitation card away. Then her eyes fell upon the big bunch of lilies


    that were gracing the tabletop. Immediately, the sparkle in Amelia''s eyes returned and her face broke


    into a smile once again. Jasper''s words reverberated in her mind to make her smile again and again.


    He said Amelia was just as pure and beautiful as a lily, so he bought a big bunch of lily flowers for her


    birthday. Nothing could be more romantic than this for Amelia. She held the lilies closed to her bosom


    and caressed them fondly as she could feel Jasper''s touch in them.


    An hour passed, but Jasper still didn''t show up. With every passing moment, Amelia was growing more


    and more impatient. Then came a time when she couldn''t wait any longer. She picked up her phone


    and dialed the number she had memorized.


    The call got connected, but no one answered it. That was surprising for her. Amelia Mo felt like a


    century had passed. She waited with bated breath to hear Jasper''s voice from the other side.


    "What is he doing? Why doesn''t he answer my phone?" After a while and a few more attempts to


    contact Jasper, Amelia threw away her cell phone angrily. identally, she caught a glimpse of the


    wedding invitation card on the table. Feeling bored, she looked through it.


    At first, Amelia just took a casual nce at it. Her eyes moved through the design and color of the card


    in a very nonchnt and unwilling manner. For sure, she had nothing to do with the details mentioned


    in the card.


    Amelia was least interested in the content or text part of it. However, one thing that caught her eyes


    was the photo of the bridegroom-to-be that was beautifully framed with that of the bride-to-be on the left


    side of the invitation card.


    Amelia stared at the card in disbelief. Gazing at the happy and smiling faces of the soon-to-be wedded


    couple, she could feel her heart sinking.


    Amelia held the wedding invitation card tightly in her hand, squeezed her eyes shut for one and opened


    it to see it clearly.


    Then she moved her eyes to read the invitation message to reconfirm the information. Yes, it was the


    same invitation card that Ynda had given to Amelia this morning to invite her to Ynda''s wedding.


    But what was unnerving for Amelia was that the groom''s name as it was mentioned in the card and


    also the photo was that of Amelia''s boyfriend, Jasper Gu''s.


    Amelia felt as if she was in a trance. It was her 25th birthday. She was just waiting for Jasper Gu to


    spend a beautiful day full of love.


    How could this be? Last night, Jasper Gu had promised to propose to her on her birthday. How is it


    possible that now he was getting married to Ynda Mo? Amelia held the wedding invitation card as


    her eyes became blurred and her heart throbbed painfully. Suddenly, Amelia straightened her spine


    and took a deep breath. She needed an exnation for this. There must be some mistake somewhere!


    This could not be true!


    Amelia dialed Jasper''s number again, but he didn''t answer. Frustrated, she kept calling repeatedly until


    a sweet voice said, "Sorry, the number you are dialing is switched off."


    Amelia almost freaked out. She turned around and saw the bunch of beautiful lilies on the table. Her


    eyes were sore. She grabbed her handbag and rushed out.


    No matter what the truth was, she must see it with her own eyes.


    What could this wedding invitation mean? Ynda always liked to make fun of her. Amelia tried to


    control herself as she paced ahead to the bus stop. The sharp nip in the air as the winter wind blew


    over, made Amelia shiver as she stepped out of her house.


    Amelia felt fatigued and covered her mouth with her cold hands and yawned. As soon as she got into


    the bus, her phone rang. She thought it must be Jasper. Without even looking at the screen, she called


    out cheerfully, "Dear". However, her enthusiastic voice was met with aughing from the other side


    of the phone. "You don''t have to say that, Amelia. Oh! You are so obsessed with your love! But sadly,


    I''m not your boyfriend. I''m just calling to say happy birthday to you!"


    "Oh! It''s you, Courtney," Amelia could not help feeling disappointed as she said in a low voice. "Thank


    you!"


    "What''s wrong?" Courtney Lin asked concernedly as she could feel the pain in Amelia''s voice.


    "Courtney, I''m in a hurry. I need to reach somewhere urgently. Let''s talkter!" By the time Amelia


    finished saying this, she almost reached her destination. After hanging up the phone, she rushed out of


    the bus and headed straight to Jasper''s home.


    Jasper lived in a vi district in the west suburb of A City. Amelia often came here to clean up his


    house, so the bodyguard recognized her the moment he saw her. However, unlike earlier, he did not


    greet her with a smile. Rather, he had an awkward look on his face as he approached her and asked


    Amelia why she came here today. Amelia was not in the mood to notice anything at the moment. So


    she remained silent and entered Jasper''s vi.


    At that very moment, inside the high-end vi, a woman was lying over a man on a big and luxurious


    bed. The man lying under her was roaring. The extreme sex sounded ambiguous as both their voices


    got mixed.


    Amelia thought Jasper was not at home. Unexpectedly, when she stood at the door, she found the door


    was half-open. She took a deep breath and told herself to calm down. Amelia had to find out the truth


    so that she would not fall prey to Ynda''s bully once again. Otherwise, she would be the biggest


    loser.


    Just as she reached out to push the door open, a coquettish voice came from inside the room. "Jasper,


    come on! My waist is sore!"


    ''Jasper? The waist is sore? What the hell is going on over here?''


    "Don''t you like this pose? Tired already? Or do you want me toe here? I promise you will love me


    forever!" Jasper rasped as he said in a suppressed voice, but with a strong sense of tease, which could


    be heard clearly. Amelia''s pink cheeks instantly turned red.


    "Shut up!" The woman let out a coquettish smile, followed by a resounding gasp.


    Amelia froze to the spot she was standing. This voice, so soft and captivating was familiar to her. The


    man''s voice that came from inside the room was that of Jasper''s. It was none other than Jasper inside


    that room. Amelia stood there feeling indecisive about what to do next. In the meantime, a string of


    delicate gasps kepting from inside the room that would make people blush and raise their


    heartbeat. By this time, Amelia started shaking with anger. She could not take it anymore. She


    clenched her fist tightly trying to contain the soaring rage in her heart. The very next moment she


    kicked open the half-open door with her foot.


    "Who is that ?" Jasper, who was having fun, screamed at the very first sight of Amelia entering the


    room, immediately followed by Ynda''s scream.


    "Ynda, it''s you!" Amelia eximed. On her way to Jasper''s vi, Amelia''s heart was full of doubts.


    She did not believe what she saw in the invitation card. All this while, she believed that it was yet


    another harsh trick yed by Ynda. Amelia hade here to prove it wrong. She wanted to ask


    Jasper about it. However, before she could ask anything to anyone, all her doubts were clear. The truth


    laid naked right in front of her eyes.


    Both Jasper and Ynda who were experiencing ecstasy just a moment ago were now panicked.


    Without a speck of cloth on their bodies, they were caught red-handed and had no clue about where to


    hide their faces. Especially, for Jasper - he was so shocked that his eyeballs almost fell to the ground at


    the sight of Amelia. Because they had just been in a passionate act, their clothes were even scattered


    on the floor. Feeling embarrassed, Ynda asked him to help her pick up the clothes from the carpet.


    Amelia''s eyes were fixed on Jasper as he got off the bed naked. She dared not to open her mouth, lest


    she regretted the words she utteredter on. Her eyes were filled with anger. Amelia endured the pain


    and refrained from yelling at him.


    After putting on his clothes, Jasper walked to Amelia with a frightened face. He asked in surprise,


    "Amelia, why have youe here?"


    Amelia thought he would be sorry for his adulterous behavior. Instead, he asked her in an unwee


    tone.


    Amelia was left aghast. Then she raised her head to look straight into his eyes and asked angrily, "Are


    you ming me for ruining your game?"


    Jasper licked his lips and nced at Ynda who had curled up on the bed. With fear written all over


    his face, Jasper cleared his throat once, and said, "Amelia, now, since you''ve seen it, I''ll tell you the


    truth. I''ve been with her for a long time. I didn''t know how to tell you about this. After all, she is your


    sister... "


    p! A hard pnded on Jasper''s face. Somehow, Amelia dared to p him on the face with all her


    strength.


    How could she stand to ept his sympathy at this moment? "Jasper, I''ve been with you for so many


    years. You are such a jerk!"


    Jasper stood there silently without a single trace of remorse on his face. Surprisingly, from his attitude,


    it seemed that he had never been in love with Amelia. Not knowing why, the man in front of her was


    very strange, as if they had never been in love for five years.


    Amelia and Jasper had been in amitted rtionship for thest five years. The man Amelia had


    cherished the most had betrayed her so easily.


    "Amelia, you are an uneducated illegitimate daughter!" Ynda, who had been curling up on the bed,


    blurted out angrily.


    Ynda''s words had burned up all Amelia''s reason. She could bear any insults, but the words


    ''illegitimate daughter'' pierced her heart and soul like a sharp knife.


    "Ynda, how dare you lie about the fact!" Amelia''s mother, Iris Liu, was the wife of her father Vernon


    Mo. Everything went on well till Ynda''s mother, Sophia Che came into their life. Thereafter, Iris was


    forced tomit suicide by consuming sleeping pills!


    "Oh?" Ynda rolled out of the bed with herce nightgown exposed. She red at Amelia with


    disgust and said, "It''s my bad luck that your mother has a dumb daughter like you. Since you don''t


    know how to behave, let me tell you the truth."


    "Ynda, today is Amelia''s birthday. Don''t tell her all this," Jasper intervened to stop Ynda. A look of


    deep regret appeared on his face when he looked at Amelia.


    Jasper still remembered that it was Amelia''s birthday. But sadly, it seemed to be toote to take care of


    her mood now.


    "I don''t care whether it''s her birthday or not. Unless you still have feelings for her, you won''t care about


    what she''s feeling right now," Ynda snorted at Jasper and then looked at his pale face


    discontentedly. She then turned towards Amelia and continued to mock her, "Amelia Mo, it''s high time


    you ept the reality. Had it not been for my mother''s generosity in the past few years, you couldn''t


    even be a servant in the Mo family. What''s more, father promised in person that I will be engaged to


    Jasper. You have been bossing Jasper around for so many years. He has already got sick of you!"


    "Ynda, how could you say that? Please stop it." With an embarrassed look on his face, Jasper kept


    clenching Ynda''s arm and begged her not to say anything unpleasant.


    Amelia felt light-headed. She struggled to keep calm on her face and snorted softly, "Well, I doubt


    about that. Only Jasper knew the truth. No matter how I behave, I won''t climb into a man''s bed so


    easily unlike someone who just used such a dirty trick to win over a man!"


    Although Amelia had no idea why Jasper chose to be with Ynda, she was sure that Jasper was not


    the kind of man who would date two women at the same time unless he had somepelling reason.


    The man she loved deeply failed her in the end.


    Ynda was so angry that her face turned pale. She raised her hand and was about to p Amelia in


    the face. Just in time, Jasper held her hand and stopped her. He begged anxiously, "Ynda, you are


    pregnant now. Don''t hurt the baby!"


    Indeed, she was pregnant!


    Amelia smiled coldly and looked at Jasper with sharp eyes. Although her eyes were red, she felt


    relieved soon.


    "Jasper, you''ve told me that even a thousand Amelia-s put together can''t take my baby''s ce in your


    heart. So, what are you waiting for? Get her out of here!" Pointing a finger at Amelia''s face, Ynda


    said furiously.


    "Amelia..." Jasper pleaded with his brows knitted tightly.


    Somehow, Amelia was not so sad all of a sudden. After what she saw in front of her was enough to


    disappoint her. Since she was not reconciled in the heart, she could easily put it down.


    "Don''t bother, Mr. Gu. My hands and feet are fine. But you, since Ynda is pregnant, you should also


    know to control your desire. If you have impotence at such a young age, it will only be a disgrace for


    you," Amelia said seriously with a faint smile on her face.


    Jasper was horrified to hear that. He couldn''t believe it. In his mind, Amelia was a traditional woman.


    They had been together for five years and the two of them had never been intimate except for holding


    hands and kissing asionally. As a result, under the influence of hormones, he ended up having sex


    with Ynda. And after that she became pregnant. Now, it has be his obligation to marry her.


    Ignoring the surprised look on Jasper''s face, Amelia turned to angry Ynda with a sweet smile. She


    pressed her lips and advised, "And you, pregnant, don''t do any hard work in bed. If you identally


    miscarried, even even a thousand Amelia-s could not afford it!"


    Ynda was rendered speechless by her words. In the end, she yelled angrily, "I know you''re upset


    about being crossed in love, so I allow you to make fun of me. But Amelia, next Monday I am getting


    married to Jasper. As my bridesmaid, you must attend the wedding!"


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    The invitation was nothing but an order. Ynda had always been bossy with everyone, so the


    servants would do as she said. However, Amelia was no match for her half-sister Ynda in the Mo


    family, although she was the biological daughter of Vernon Mo.


    "I must attend the wedding?" Amelia sneered and looked at Ynda with her brows arched. Then she


    refused scornfully, "No. I can''t attend your wedding!"


    Thereafter, Amelia turned around and walked out of Jasper''s vi.

 Chapter 2 A Perfect Man!

    Chapter 2 A Perfect Man!


    Amelia was weed with harsh winter winds biting into her skin as soon as she stepped out of


    Jasper''s vi. Suddenly, Amelia realized that she was wearing thin clothes. She clenched her hands,


    and her eyes were sore. Soon, a pearl of tear dropped from the corners of her eyes.


    Amelia didn''t feel sad for Jasper''s betrayal. Rather, she felt hurt as she thought about the cherished


    moments she spent with him in the past five years spent. What she had considered to be most


    precious turned out to be a mirage.


    After wandering aimlessly on the streets for a few hours, Amelia was about to go back to her rental


    house. But when she thought of the room full of memories of her and Jasper, her feet suddenly felt too


    heavy to move towards that direction. At that moment, she could only think of her friend, Courtney.


    Amelia then called her to share this bleak incident with her friend.


    "Oh my God! Who is this, calling me on this special day? Haven''t you gone out on a date with Jasper?


    Howe you are free to call me?" As soon as the line was connected, Courtney began to taunt


    Amelia.


    "There was no date! This is the most miserable birthday I have ever had in my life!" Amelia said bluntly.


    There was no formality between Amelia and Courtney. They often spoke impolitely with each other.


    They never beat around the bush.


    "Really? Tell me. Did Jasper refuse to sleep with you?"


    "Courtney, since when do you have started speaking so rudely? And, leave everything behind and


    come over to have a nice drink with me tonight." Amelia came to the point directly. At this moment, she


    wanted to paralyze herself with alcohol so that she could forget everything.


    "What? It seems that your birthday has made you sad, and drinking is not a big deal!" Courtney didn''t


    stop her. Instead, she agreed with Amelia. "What about going to the Moon Bar? It is said that many


    handsome men are gathering in that bar. Maybe you can be hooked up with a man more perfect than


    Jasper!"


    ''Is Jasper a perfect man?'' Amelia squinted her eyes and pondered. In fact, she had not thought much


    about it before, but now she knew it.


    Very soon, night fell and the streetmps washed the city with a faint light. Slowly, all the high-rise


    buildings were lit up and so were the hoardings on the street. The entire city looked beautiful like the


    Paris garden.


    Amelia never came to the Moon Bar earlier. It was her first time here. Hence, it was obvious for her to


    get nervous. She just wanted to get drunk. So she rushed in and headed straight towards the bar


    counter without even asking for guidance from the waiter. Amelia looked at the bartender and ordered a


    peg of strong vodka.


    The bartender looked at Amelia''s face surprisingly when he heard her. He didn''t expect that a girl would


    order wine with such high alcohol concentration.


    Amelia made herselffortable on the bar counter. She looked at the dazzling and colorful lights.


    There were so many men and women who were dancing on the high decibel music. They were


    swaying to the tune and hugging each other passionately.


    A faint smile appeared on Amelia''s face as they saw those happy couples. She sat there, drinking up a


    few sses of wine. Suddenly, she felt her face burning and sharp pain in her stomach seemed to be


    pulling her down. It could be because she hadn''t eaten anything the whole day and drunk a lot. It was


    difficult for her to sit straight on the high chair at the bar counter.


    "Are you alright, Miss?" The bartender saw her falling from her seat and came over kindly.


    Amelia was a little dizzy. All of a sudden, she lost consciousness.


    "Go away! I just broke up with my boyfriend, but didn¡¯t lose my virginity yet!" Amelia blurted. She


    pushed the bartender away.


    At that time, a tall man walked past her. He stopped and took a few steps towards Amelia as he heard


    her words. A disdainful smile curled up the corners of his mouth.


    "In that case, don''t drink anymore," said the bartender as he tried to take the ss of wine away from


    Amelia¡¯s hand.


    Amelia shrugged his hand off and refused. "Don¡¯t drink. Why not? A drink can dispel sorrow! I''m so


    frustrated now. Just let me have a good drink!"


    Amelia said, pointing at her heart. And then she burst into tears.


    "What?" The bartender was at a loss as he heard Amelia.


    "Go ahead with your work. I''ll handle it here." A cold and soft voice came from behind.


    "Jasper Gu, you bastard! How dare you!" Amelia sobbed. In a drunken state, Amelia took that unknown


    man for Jasper. She broke into an uncontroble sob as Amelia thought that Jasper was worried about


    her. She held the man''s hand excitedly and cried out bitterly.


    When the bartender saw this, he immediately let go of Amelia, who was drunk, to the man''s arm as if


    getting rid of big trouble. Then he said respectfully, "Sir, since you are a friend of thisdy, could you


    please buy the drinks for her?"


    The man took out his card without uttering a word, paid the bill, and took Amelia out of the noisy bar.


    The night wind bit into her skin making her shiver. Amelia had been dizzy and seemed to be a little


    sober now. She looked at the man in front of her with blurred eyes and asked in a muffled voice,


    "Haven''t you fallen in love with Ynda? Why did youe to me?"


    Amelia punched and kicked the air to vent her anger.


    "Be quiet!" There was a trace of impatience in the man''s cold voice as he pushed Amelia into his silver


    Porsche.


    Although Amelia was drunk, she could make out that this voice didn''t sound like Jasper''s. Opening her


    eyes, she found that the person in front of her was obscure. At the same time, she couldn''t bear the


    pain of having an empty stomach. Like a homeless kitten, she curled up on the front passenger seat


    and cried bitterly from her throat.


    "Hang in there for a while. We are almost there." Perhaps it was because of the pain on her face that


    the man''s voice softened down into a warmer tone.


    The silvery Porsche stopped in front of a luxurious vi called SJ Garden. As soon as the man turned


    off the engine, the butler immediately walked up to him and said respectfully, "Mr. Lucian, Mr. Nichs


    heard that you havee back and asked you to go back to the Zhan mansion tonight!"


    The man was getting out of the car with Amelia in his arms. He frowned at the butler''s words and


    seemed a little displeased. But when his cold sight fell on the fair and quiet face of Amelia, the frown on


    his face disappeared.


    "Ouch, it hurts!" Amelia groaned in pain.


    "Darren, please bring Dr. Chen here for me!" Lucian Zhan anxiously asked Darren Fang looking


    worried.


    "But Mr. Nichs is still waiting for us..." Darren Fang stammered awkwardly.


    Lucian''s face darkened as he blurted impatiently, "I''ll call him myself."


    Upon hearing Lucian''s reply, the nervous look on Darren Fang''s face gave way into a sigh of relief. He


    broke into a smile and said quickly, "I''ll go to call Dr. Chen right away!"


    The bright lights shone in therge vi, but it was cold because no one lived here.


    After experiencing sharp pain, Amelia became more and more unconscious. She vaguely felt that she


    was held tightly by a warm embrace. She wanted to know if that person was Jasper, but before she


    could utter the words, she was surrounded by something soft.


    "All men are bastards..." Lucian Zhan, who was tucking in Amelia on the bed, looked at her face as he


    heard what she said. He suddenly paused and then smiled yfully.


    "Mr. Lucian, Dr. Chen hase," the butler came and informed him.


    "Okay, let him in."


    Lucian Zhan moved aside and waited for the doctor to check up Amelia. After Dr. Chen was done,


    Lucian asked, "How is she now?"


    When the butler saw the worried look on Lucian Zhan''s face, he was left dumbfounded. As far as he


    could remember, Lucian had always been too aloof and arrogant. He had never brought any woman


    home. Even if there was news about him dating a woman, the dating ce was only in a hotel, and


    never in his private house. What was more surprising was that the woman lying in bed at the moment


    was average looking and even drank a lot.


    "Mr. Lucian, please rest assured. This youngdy drank too much wine in an empty stomach which has


    led to stomach ulcers. She will be fine after drinking some honey water."


    "Hurry up!" As soon as the doctor finished, Lucian Zhan gestured the butler to give the honey water to


    Amelia. "Well. Okay!" The butler answered quickly as he struggled to recover from his thoughts.


    After the doctor left, Lucian Zhan returned to his room and heard the noise of things being thrown from


    Amelia''s room.


    "What happened?" Lucian Zhan''s handsome eyebrows twisted tightly in an instant.


    Darren Fang looked frightened and his face turned pale. He immediately ran to Lucian Zhan and said,


    "Mr. Lucian, thisdy didn''t cooperate with me. She knocked down the honey water I took for her..."


    Taking a look at Darren Fang''s petrified look, Lucian Zhan scoffed, "You can''t even handle such a trivial


    thing properly. Bring up another ss of honey water."


    "Uh..." Darren Fang couldn''t believe his ears and nced at Amelia. Now he was surer that the woman


    lying on the bed had a close rtionship with Lucian Zhan.


    Soon the butler returned a ss of honey water, annoyed that there was no servant in the SJ Garden.


    "Give me the honey water," said Lucian in a low voice.


    "Mr. Lucian, these things should be done by the servants. But you like to have a quiet environment.


    Several days before you came back, I dismissed all the servants." With a serious look on his face,


    Darren Fang seemed to be in a dilemma. He didn''t know whether he should feed Amelia with honey


    water in person or give the honey water to Lucian.


    Lucian Zhan understood what was bothering him. He said to Darren Fang, "It''s gettingte. You should


    go to bed. I''ll handle it."


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Darren Fang nodded his head. Something came into his mind when he turned round. Darren turn back,


    worried. "Mr. Lucian Zhan, Mr. Nichs is not in good health. You''d better go back to his house as


    soon as you can..."


    "Okay, I know." Lucian Zhan stopped him impatiently and turned his eyes towards Amelia.


    The butler left the room immediately and suddenly there was pin-drop silence in the room.


    Taking off his designer suit, Lucian rolled up the sleeves of his shirt. Then he brought the honey water


    to the bed. He took a deep breath before he picked up Amelia in his arms, as if trying to coax a little


    child and said softly, "Come on, open your mouth."


    Amelia flinched in pain. Her vision was still blurred. She raised her hand to grasp something when she


    heard the sound.


    Luckily, Lucian Zhan was quick enough to avoid the honey water sttering onto the floor again.


    However, her action annoyed Lucian Zhan. He put the ss on the tea table, grabbed the trembling


    Amelia with one hand, forced open her mouth and tried to pour the water into her mouth with the other.


    "Well..." It seemed that Amelia couldn''t get along with him on purpose. The ss was at the edge of


    her mouth, but she clenched her teeth.


    Lucian Zhan had no choice but to let go of Amelia. He was just about to leave. But as soon as he got


    out of the bed, Amelia grabbed his arm and cried, "Hey, it''s my birthday. Can you just stay here?"


    There was a trace of sadness in Amelia''s drunken voice that tugged at his heartstring. He hesitated


    whether to stay or leave.


    "Then drink the honey water." His cold voice became soft, which waspletely different from his


    usual self.


    Lucian repented having fallen into such a big trouble.


    Lucian Zhan didn''t get what he wanted. Amelia still didn¡¯t drink the honey water. She moved to Lucian


    Zhan and mumbled, "Such a warm hug..."


    Looking at the girl in his arms, Lucian Zhan''s handsome face suddenly turned dark, and he felt his


    heart copsing. He wanted to push away Amelia, but when he saw Amelia''s creased eyebrows, the


    deep sorrow on her face made him have a little pity on her.


    "Well, it''s my bad luck!" Lucian brought Amelia in his vi. And even if he regretted thousands of times,


    he had to finish everything.

 Chapter 3 Love At First Sight

    Chapter 3 Love At First Sight


    The next morning, the room was washed by the bright sunlight. The beautiful morning in the luxurious


    vi was awakened by a rush of footsteps.


    "Mr. Lucian, Mr. Lucian, wake up!" The butler tried to wake up Lucian who was still in a deep slumber.


    After staying uptest night, Lucian struggled to open his eyes in the morning. Yet, eyes half-open,


    he could spot the middle-aged man sitting in the wheelchair with a solemn face.


    "Lucian, what are you doing?" A sharp female voice broke the silence of this morning and woke up


    Amelia who was still suffering from hangover.


    "Oh my God! My head hurts." Amelia touched her head and sat upon the bed. Slowly she opened her


    eyes and was dumbfounded. Amelia looked around to explore the unfamiliar setting. She felt rather


    intimidated to be surrounded by a middle-aged man and woman. With much difficulties Amelia found


    her voice back and said, "Where am I? Why am I here?"


    Her words made all the heads in the room turn towards her. They looked more surprised than she was.


    "Lucian, who the hell is this woman here with you?" The middle-aged woman moved a little closer to


    the bed and pointed at Amelia with her finger adorned with green jewels. She continued angrily, "I


    warned you that you couldn''t marry any woman other than Shelly!"


    Amelia shuddered to see the woman enraged. She remembered that she had drunk too muchst


    night, but she did not remember what happenedter. When she looked up at the man next to her, she


    was caught off guard. Amelia could not take her eyes off Lucian. She was deeply attracted by his


    handsome face. His impably chiseled face needed no embellishment. The man was so cold and


    stone-faced that Amelia held her breath. Amelia marveled at how handsome he was!


    "Mom, please don''t make a mountain out of a molehill. I just..."


    "Then why didn''t you go homest night?" Just as Lucian started to exin the situation, he was


    interrupted by the middle-aged man in a wheelchair.


    Lucian frowned as he felt ufortable, but could not find a way out of the situation. He pulled the


    already surprised Amelia into his arms and said righteously, "My girlfriend got drunkst night. She


    would be panicked if I leave her alone."


    Amelia got pulled into a forceful embrace which left her mouth agape. Not knowing what to do next, she


    frowned unconsciously and fluttered her long eyshes, wondering why this strange man called her


    girlfriend? Or she had drunk so muchst night that she had lost her memory? So much so that after


    waking up, she had be some other man''s girlfriend!


    "No, I am not! HMM..." Amelia cleared her throat and was about to deny when her lips were blocked by


    something ice cold.


    For a moment, like lightning shed and thunder rumbled, Amelia''s head went nk. The terror in her


    heart rose like a wave and then, formed a thousand waves.


    What the hell was going on? People always said that things would be messed up after drinking. Amelia


    had never anticipated the kind of mess she hadnded in. Amelia bit his tongue, trying to escape his


    kiss.


    "Ah..." A painful voice came from Lucian¡¯s mouth. Anger filled his eyes.


    Amelia pushed Lucian away and roared angrily, "Bastard!" when she saw the pain on Lucian''s face.


    Then, Amelia wiped her lips disgustedly and cursed in her mind, ''What a shame! He''s so decadent!''


    "Honey, stop it. I have taken care of you for the whole night. I am so tired!" Regardless of the pain of


    his tongue, Lucian put his arm around Amelia''s shoulders. Then he said in a low voice, "I took a picture


    of you taking off clothesst night. If you dare to move, I''ll make you repent for it!"


    "You!" Amelia suddenly widened her eyes, grabbed Lucian''s arm and asked, "What on earth did I do


    last night? Tell me."


    As much as Amelia could remember, she was at the bar counter drinking her heart out. But what


    happened after that? She had no memory at all. Although she didn''t believe what the man said, she


    was still puzzled and panic-stricken for being in a strange man¡¯s bed.


    "What! This is outrageous!" The glowing woman trembled with fury. She turned to the man in the


    wheelchair and said, "Nichs, you see? If it goes on like this, our family will be over!"


    "Lucian, I can let it go. But as you are aware that the Zhan family and the An family have made a deal


    that when you turn thirty, you must marry Shelly. Now that you''re back, we have to keep our promise!"


    The middle-aged man in the wheelchair put his hands on his knees and reminded Lucian seriously.


    After he finished his words, he cast a nce at Amelia.


    Amelia, who was still at a loss till now as she was not yet able to understand the situation, had an


    innocent look on her face. From the eyes of the middle-aged man, she could sense a warning.


    "I will decide about my marriage!" Lucian replied determinedly. He held the shoulders of Amelia tighter


    as if he had made up his mind.


    Amelia seemed to understand the situation now. Acent smile appeared on her face. She


    whispered, "Will you delete those photos if I agree to help you?"


    With his eyebrows frowned, Lucian suddenly grasped the clue and nodded.


    Amelia felt that the only option left for her was to cooperate with Lucian. All because she had no idea


    about what happened the night before. She seldom got drunk likest night. She had to agree with


    Lucian''s request.


    "Sir, ma¡¯am, we love each other. Please don¡¯t force Lucian..." Amelia suddenly stepped forward,


    pleading with tearful eyes.


    Lucian nced at Amelia in surprise. Then he looked at Nichs and Fannie. A smile appeared on his


    face.


    "What! Why are you after my son?" The middle-aged woman was shaking with anger. She grabbed the


    hand of Nichs who was in the wheelchair and said, "Tell you son I only want Shelly to be my


    daughter-inw."


    "Mom, I''m afraid I''ll let you down." With his arm around Amelia''s shoulders, Lucian said in a calm and


    serious tone, "I have decided to marry her. Hence, it would be better if you stop making every possible


    effort to force me to marry the daughter of the An family!"


    Amelia nced at Lucian¡¯s slender fingers on her shoulders and smiled awkwardly. Then she looked at


    the middle-aged man and woman in front of her, feeling guilty.


    She seldom lied. Although the woman standing in front of Amelia was mean to her, Amelia could


    understand her love for her son.


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    "Lucian, how long have you known this woman? Do you really know her? Moreover, you have just


    come back. Shelly has grown up to be so beautiful now. You might fall in love with her at first sight."


    The middle-aged woman began to convince her son gently. Her angry eyes had mellowed down as she


    pleaded to Lucian. However, when she nced at Amelia, her eyes were full of disgust.


    "You said ''maybe I will fall in love'' with Shelly at first sight, didn''t you?" Lucian said unhurriedly, with a


    slight smile shining in his deep eyes. "But Mom, I already fell in love with Amelia at first sight!"


    ''Oh my God, what kind of trouble is this?'' Amelia looked at Lucian''s face as he proimed his love and


    noticed that he sounded rather serious. Was he actually acting? Well, if he could act so genuinely, she


    believed that he could be the best actor.


    "Fannie, Lucian has grown up. He has all the right to make his own decision. We should not interfere


    too much in his choice. Let''s go back." The middle-aged man took a deep sigh. Then he turned to the


    man standing beside him in the formal suit and said in a rejected voice, "Take me back to the Zhan


    mansion."


    "Nichs, you''d better not be so liberal with your son. Don''t let him do whatever he wants now.


    Otherwise, you''ll regret itter!" After finishing her words, the middle-aged woman followed him out of


    the room angrily.

 Chapter 4 A Fake Wife

    Chapter 4 A Fake Wife


    The bedroom was finally quiet, much to Amelia''s relief. Her heart had started beating a mile a minute


    when she saw the cold look on Lucian''s face. Her ivory-colored face flushed like a porcin doll.


    Noticing that she clenched her fists tightly, Lucian figured she might have be way too nervous. So


    he put on a smile and said, "They''ve already left."


    "Uh..." Amelia answered softly. She opened her eyes wide and asked anxiously, "Where are the


    photos? Give them to me!"


    She reached out her tiny hand toward him, looking petite and small as if she was a doll. She had her


    eyebrows knitted together, which made her difficult to take seriously as she only looked like an angry


    child.


    "I am very helpful and this is just the start. Plus, if you agree to be my wife, I''ll keep these photos


    and I promise you that no one else is going to see them." Lucian looked at Amelia and shed her a


    knowing smile.


    "What did you just say?" Amelia copsed and shouted. "You bastard! Stop trying to fool me just


    because you''re attractive! You brought me back to your home against my will! Your family doesn''t know


    the truth. Who knows what they could be thinking of me? You made me look bad! What did I ever do to


    you?"


    With a straight face, Lucian said slowly, "I saved youst night and you were being ungrateful. Thank


    God I was smart enough toe up with this. I love these sexy photos of yours."


    All of a sudden, Amelia grew quiet. Her smile disappeared and she felt something twinge in her heart.


    She thought to herself, ''I must have been a terrible person in my past life. That''s the only exnation


    for all of this bad luck.''


    "You''re Lucian Zhan, right?" Amelia said, raising her head, tears still streaming down her face. She


    couldn''t believe a handsome man like him could treat her like this. He was practically threatening her.


    "Well, first, I''d like to thank you for the kindness you showed mest night. As for the photos, well, I


    don''t really care anymore..."


    she said, averting his gaze.


    As she thought back to Jasper and what he did to her, she felt herself weakening. But she didn''t have


    the strength to even care about it anymore.


    Suddenly, Lucian''s face darkened. He looked at Amelia in bewilderment and asked, "You broke up with


    your boyfriend. Right?"


    "How do you know?" Amelia raised her head suddenly and looked at him. She was both scared and


    embarrassed.


    "You said it. Look, you just forget everything you said or did when you were intoxicated." Lucian spread


    out his hands, looking helpless. "I wasn''t nning on anything, but you took my hand and you told me it


    was your birthday. You asked me to keep youpany..."


    As he finished speaking, he scratched his nose awkwardly. He looked aggrieved.


    Amelia''s face turned red because it was indeed her birthday yesterday. Suddenly, she found herself


    believing Lucian.


    "I wasn''t in the right state of mind! You took photos of me without asking for my permission! That makes


    us even!" Amelia couldn''t believe her luck. She then added, "If you show anyone those photos, then I


    guess that''s just the way it is."


    Lucian frowned and asked in confusion, "You''d rather let other people see these photos than pretend to


    be my wife?"


    Amelia shook her head and asked in confusion, "You are handsome and rich. You can just marry a


    pretty woman who truly loves you. But why would you need a fake wife?"


    "Because then I can take control of my life," Lucian answered simply.


    ''Take control of my life.'' This thought echoed in Amelia''s mind.


    Since her mother passed away, her life had been a mess. If she hadn''t met Jasper, who knew what her


    stepmother could have done to her? However, things were different now. She lost Jasper and her heart


    was empty and broken.


    "You just have to pretend in front of my parents. I won''t bother you in your daily life and I''ll cover all


    your expenses," Lucian continued when she didn''t say anything.


    Amelia closed her eyes as if she had suddenly thought of something. If Jasper had reced her with


    Ynda, then she could also do the same thing. Being in a new rtionship was definitely the best way


    to get over an old one.


    She raised her head and gazed at his beautiful face. She answered boldly, "All right. Let''s do it."


    When she spoke, she sounded sure of herself as if there was no room for doubt in her mind.


    Lucian seemed to be taken aback briefly, but he quickly smiled in relief.


    "I''m sorry for what I did. When our deal''s over, please return the photos to me," Amelia added.


    "Amelia Amelia..." Lucian said. He paused before continuing, "I''m Lucian Zhan. I''m thirty years old and


    I''m the CEO of the Zhan Group. I wish our cooperation a pleasant one."N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    He was the CEO of the Zhan Group! Amelia covered her mouth in shock. The Zhan Group was a


    household name in this city. They were the richest and most powerful of all. Why would Lucian want to


    get a fake wife then?


    This was a fake marriage after all, so she figured she didn''t need to be concerned about that. She


    waved her hand and said, "My name''s Amelia Mo. I turned twenty-five yesterday and I work in an


    advertisingpany. I hope we get along."


    "Great! That''s great! Let me drive you home now." There was a slight smile on Lucian''s handsome


    face.


    "Take me home?" Amelia looked at him in disbelief.


    "Yes, even though it''s just a deal, I still need to fulfill my obligations as your husband." With a serious


    look on his face, Lucian picked up his expensive-looking coat and put it on. Then he continued in a low


    voice, "Go wash up. I''ll wait for you downstairs."


    As Amelia watched him leave, she couldn''t help but be entranced.


    She shook her head, went to the bathroom, and washed her face quickly. Then she went downstairs.


    Even though she had never been here before, she felt like the ce was familiar¡ªlike she wasn''t a


    stranger here.


    "Have some mung bean soup." Lucian''s voice came from the dining room. When he spoke, his tone


    was soft but firm.


    She was a little hungry, so without saying anything, she grabbed the bowl and immediately started


    eating.


    "Good, good girl." After dinner, Lucian wiped his hands and smiled. He said, "You can do whatever you


    want when no one''s around but just don''t bother me."


    "All right. As we both know, this is just a fake marriage between us. So we aren''t going to bother each


    other. We just have to pretend in front of everyone else. But in private, we mind our own business."


    Amelia gestured with her hand as she spoke. "Please be a gentleman and don''t touch me."


    Lucian curled his lips and said, "Don''t worry. I''m not interested in you. If I was, then I would have taken


    way more photosst night."


    Upon the mention of this, she grew angry. But since they had already made an agreement, she had no


    choice but to suck it up. She merely red at Lucian in response.

 Chapter 5 Becoming His Wife

    Chapter 5 Bing His Wife


    The car left the rich and noble vi district and drove off to Amelia''s rented apartment.


    Amelia didn''t really n on going back to that ce at all. Staying in that apartment, she would think of


    Jasper, which made her feel really sad. But she had no other choice. There was nowhere else for her


    to go.


    Upon pulling up in front of the apartmentplex, Amelia actedpletely snobbish towards Lucian.


    "Mr. Lucian, my home is just in front of you. You can drop me off here," she said.


    ''We''re only a couple by virtue of a contract. There''s no need for him to actually pretend to be my


    husband and escort me all the way inside, '' she thought.


    Lucian looked around and saw that there were no residential buildings around. "Our agreement says


    that I am your husband," he said to Amelia with a thoughtful smile on his face. "Perhaps, I should walk


    you to the door," he continued.


    Amelia shook her head. "It''s true that we made an agreement, but we really don''t have to keep up with


    this husband and wife facade in private. Mr. Lucian, could you please give me some personal space?"


    Amelia spoke out.


    Lucian nced at Amelia and said, "You just broke up with your boyfriend. In case things get too hard,


    where should I find you then?"


    Even though the way Lucian said this was calm and innocent, Amelia felt the words stab her deeply.


    Arguing with Lucian made Amelia temporarily forget about her wounded heart. It was inevitable for her


    to feel ufortable. She suddenly raised her head and wanted to speak out, but instead her words


    were unable toe out of her mouth.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Lucian asked. He noticed that Amelia was looking out of the window with a


    nk gaze. Out of curiosity, he also looked at the direction at which Amelia was looking. Lucian found


    that Amelia was staring at a man and a woman hugging each other passionately.


    "What a small world!" Amelia almost squeezed those words out of her teeth.


    All of a sudden, Lucian felt that he figured out something about Amelia. He started the car, held the


    steering wheel, and made a turn.


    "What are you doing?" Amelia asked, feeling anxious.


    "Haven''t you heard the saying ''out of sight, out of mind''?" Lucian asked in a cold tone. "You are now my


    wife. So, the SJ Garden is your home now," he said to Amelia.


    For a while, Amelia was stunned. But when she stared at Lucian more, she felt warm in her heart.


    For the past five years, Amelia had no ce to go except the apartment. While the Mo family


    amodated her, Ynda''s mother only saw her as a sand that couldn''t be squeezed out. Ynda


    bullied Amelia frequently, and that made Amelia wish she could just simply disappear. Later, she met


    Jasper and he rented that apartment for her. Because of that, she naively thought the rtionship


    between them would strengthen andst. However, her love ended in a tragedy.


    Remembering all of these made Lucian''s words felt warm to Amelia.


    "Amelia, I don''t care who you love, but you have to listen to me!" Lucian said indifferently. Amelia just


    stared at Lucian without a single word from her, making Lucian frown and sigh deeply.


    Then, she bit her lower lip and nodded at Lucian. "Can I stay in your home for a couple of days?" she


    asked, almost in a whisper.


    Now that she and Jasper were no longer lovers, Amelia found no reason for her to stay at their house.


    Besides, being there only made her lonely.


    "It''s your home. You can live there as long as you like," Lucian said. His face projected a gentle smile,


    which showed his elegant and enchanted nature. Seeing this, Amelia couldn''t stop but feel addicted to


    his charm.


    While she recognized that Lucian wasn''t like Jasper, and even though he looked cold and his tone


    didn''t sound friendly, Amelia felt secure with Lucian''s presence.


    "Why are you staring at me like that?" Lucian abruptly asked. Then he turned his face to the other side.


    With a teasing smile on his face, he asked Amelia, "Do you think that I''m so attractive that you couldn''t


    help but fall in love with me?"


    "Of course not!" Amelia denied quickly. While her face blushed red, the tone of her voice was filled with


    dissatisfaction. "The fact that you are good-looking could never change my perception of your bad


    character!" she said.


    "Bad character?" Lucian argued. Lucian raised his eyebrows and looked at Amelia with disbelief. As


    soon as he got what she meant, his smile widened. He deliberately made fun of her and said,


    "Although you are a little thin, you look extraordinarily charming when you''re drunk. When you stay in


    the SJ Garden, you will definitely be more feminine!"


    "Lucian! Have you no shame!" Amelia eximed. She frowned and then looked at Lucian warily. She


    was obviously filled with anger.


    With a warm smile on his face, Lucian suddenly became serious. "You''re the first woman I took home


    with me, and you''re also the one I''m going to marry. Even though the bond between us is only under a


    deal, this is definitely not a joke to me. In the future, I''ll take care of you. I will give you some space if


    you need. But still, think about it," Lucian sincerely said.


    After Lucian finished speaking, Amelia was left speechless for about five minutes. She digested what


    Lucian had just said as they arrived at the door of the Civil Affairs Bureau.


    "What are we doing here?" Amelia said, pointing at the door of the Civil Affairs Bureau. She was


    extremely confused and wondered what on earth Lucian wanted to do.


    "Please, calm down," Lucian softly said. Lucian held Amelia''s fingers, then took her hand before


    heading into the Civil Affairs Bureau. He calmly told Amelia, "I''ve asked my assistant to take the


    household register from Mo mansion." He stared into Amelia''s eyes and then said, "We''ll get married in


    five minutes!"


    "What did you just say?!" Amelia eximed. She stared at Lucian as she covered her mouth with one


    hand. Her eye opened wide in surprise. Amelia was about to have a nervous breakdown.


    "Even though this is just an act, we might as well make it believable," Lucian calmly said.


    "You bastard! You are taking advantage of me! Do you think that those photos can control my freedom


    in life?" Amelia said. "Well, I can do whatever..."


    "Sir, this is the household register you''ve asked me to get from the Mo mansion," a man in a formal suit


    said as he walked towards Amelia and Lucian. The man gave a salute to Lucian before handing over


    the residence booklet to him. Amelia''s anger hadn''t dissipated yet.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    She waspletely baffled. She didn''t think that Lucian could easily get the household register.


    In the Mo family, even though Vernon loved Amelia very much, he had to conceal his love for her


    because of her stepmother, Sophia. He just let Sophia and Ynda bully her as they pleased.


    "Eric, you did a good job this time!" Lucian said to his assistant. Then Lucian grinned from ear to ear


    before ncing at Amelia, who was still in a stupor. "I thought Mr. Vernon would be so angry that I


    marry his daughter. I didn''t expect that he would let this happen so quickly," he said.


    Amelia''s face was pale and her eyes were turning red with anger. Her fists were clenched.


    "Mr. Lucian, you are so generous. There is no reason for anyone to refuse a ten million check," Eric


    Chen said. He then smiled at Amelia and introduced himself, "Mrs. Amelia, my name is Eric Chen. I''m


    the assistant of Mr. Lucian. Nice to meet you."


    ''Ten million? I can''t believe that he would use money to force my father to agree!'' Amelia thought to


    herself.


    ''Since he''s so rich, why couldn''t he just pick someone to marry from the streets?''


    "Lucian, are you crazy?" she angrily said to Lucian. She couldn''t understand why a handsome man like


    Lucian would be crazy just to get married.


    Lucian looked at Amelia''s face and slowly said, "Since your father has agreed to our marriage, thanks


    to my generous gift, you don''t have to make a fuss about it. I''m not a patient man."


    In disbelief, all Amelia could do was let out a sarcasticugh. "I really hate arrogant, rich men. Do you


    really think that I will follow your orders?" Amelia said. After her birth mother died, Amelia only hoped


    for a family that loved each other. Her father, who was the only one rted to her, didn''t even pay much


    attention to her marriage. Because of this, she felt really disappointed.


    Suddenly, Eric Chen was whispering something to Lucian.


    "Amelia, I know you''re feeling hopeless now. But I''m telling you something. Your ex-boyfriend, Jasper,


    is going to take the money. When your father hesitated, he took the check and happily said that he


    would use the money to hold a grand wedding ceremony with Ynda!" Lucian said to Amelia.


    "Jasper would take the money?" Amelia painfully asked. Her heart hurt so much that it felt like she was


    shot by a gun. Amelia couldn''t even cry because of the pain she was feeling inside of her.


    ''Jasper again! He destroyed me and even attempted to trade my happiness for his own wedding, ''


    Amelia thought to herself.


    Amelia shook her head in pain and said nothing.


    "Don''t you feel reconciled?" Lucian asked. His hands were on Amelia''s shoulders.


    She did feel reconciled.


    She could feel her anger welling up in her chest. Sheforted herself with the idea that Vernon hadn''t


    agreed to be bribed, which meant that somehow his daughter was still important to him.


    "I promise I''ll marry you, but please take back the ten million." Amelia didn''t seem as angry anymore.


    She gazed back at Lucian.


    Lucian''s heart beat quickened when he heard her make the promise. However, the feeling was gone as


    soon as it came.


    He had to tell himself that this was just a deal and that he couldn''t fall in love with her.


    When they got out of the Civil Affairs Bureau, Amelia seemed to be out of spirits.


    "I''ll keep the marriage certificate. You might lose it if you do. You''re too absent-minded." After he put


    away the marriage certificate, he asked, "Are you hungry? What do you want to eat?"


    She was hungry, but she wasn''t really in the mood to eat. So she just ignored him.


    "Amelia, you''re my wife now even in the eyes of thew. It''s my responsibility to take care of you, so


    please answer me." He sounded a little angry.


    Hearing this, Amelia looked up and answered, "I''m not really in the mood to eat right now. I''d like


    something to drink though."


    Lucian was so taken aback that he remained silent. Meanwhile, Amelia thought Lucian would get mad


    at her, so she was surprised when he said, "All right. We can celebrate our marriage while we''re at it.


    Let''s go!"


    "I don''t like western food!" Amelia said as she looked out of the car. He had pulled over in front of a


    western restaurant.


    "It''s abination of Chinese food and Western food. I''m sure you''ll love it," Lucian said patiently.


    Amelia murmured something to herself in doubt, wondering why on earth Lucian had asked her to


    marry him.


    "Mr. Lucian, wee!" A waiter came up to them as soon as they entered the restaurant. With much


    enthusiasm, he said, "Your table''s ready, sir. This way, please."


    The room was luxuriously decorated. Amelia couldn''t help but look around in admiration. While she


    was distracted, Lucian suddenly took her hand and said with a smile, "You said you wanted a drink,


    right? You can drink as much as you want today. Even if you get drunk, you don''t have to worry. I''ll take


    care of you."


    Amelia was nning on having a drink or two. But upon hearing what Lucian had said, she suddenly


    hesitated.


    Who knew what he would do to her if she ended up drunk?

 Chapter 6 Let Bygones Be Bygones

    Chapter 6 Let Bygones Be Bygones


    As a lesson from her drunkenness, Amelia decided she wasn''t going to believe everything Lucian said


    which she thought was reasonable.


    "Why are you staring at me? Just order the food." He stared at Amelia who seemed mad.


    "Stop talking." Amelia sat down with her hand on her forehead. She was a mess right now as her head


    was still spinning from everything that happened this morning.


    "All right. After dinner, I''ll take you to the mall. If you don''t want to go shopping, just tell me your sizes


    and I''ll ask someone to buy some clothes for you." After the dishes were served on the table, Lucian


    took his chopsticks and began eating.


    ''My sizes?''


    Amelia hugged herself immediately and said warily, "I have my own clothes to wear. You don''t need to


    worry about me!"


    Lucian looked up and said in a mocking tone, "No one would steal your clothes even if you threw them


    out in the trash. Since you''re now my wife, you need to change your clothes. What you have right now


    is too shabby and people might talk."


    "No one''s going tough as long as you don''t tell on us!" While she really wasn''t in the mood to eat,


    she had no choice but to take her anger out on the food in front of her.


    When Lucian saw that Amelia was already gobbling up her food, he frowned. He then handed her a


    cup of tea and said, "Slow down. It''ll be embarrassing if you suddenly choke on your food."


    While one would think that what Lucian did was very sweet, what he said definitely wasn''t.


    Amelia took the cup, rolled her eyes at Lucian, and said crossly, "You''re always embarrassing me. How


    are we ever going to do this?"


    She then recalled the photos and started growing angry again.


    "Yes, why wouldn''t you just tell me your sizes now that you''ve already been feeling so embarrassed?


    Besides, it is your ex-boyfriend that embarrassed you. You wouldn''t ever go out of your way to do


    something for him, right?" Lucian said in a deceivingly gentle tone. Still, his words hit Amelia like a bus.


    But then she realized that she shouldn''t feel sad about Jasper cheating on her anymore. She shouldn''t


    punish herself by dwelling on the past.


    "That''s right!" She wasn''t as angry anymore and was taking time in eating her food now.


    After dinner, Lucian took Amelia to go shopping in the department store that was more expensive than


    most.


    Lucian had already nned ahead. He asked the shop assistant to choose the most popr styles


    ording to her taste. Within half an hour, the shop assistant collected twenty-three sets of clothes for


    Amelia. Lucian then took Amelia to the jewelry store. This time, Lucian chose ne, earrings, and


    the most beautiful diamond ring they had in the store for her in person.


    "Lucian, this is enough." When the shiny diamond ring was put on her ring finger, she was so shocked


    that she immediately tried to take it off.


    "Amelia, we''re a couple now. It''s perfectly normal for you to wear a ring. We''re married, right? Why are


    you taking it off?" Lucian''s tone was gentle which made Amelia stop trying to take off the ring. As she


    touched the ring, she could feel her heart beating very fast.


    When Amelia was leaving the mall, she identally bumped into Ynda and Jasper¡ªthest two


    people she wanted to see. Just as she was about to make a detour, Ynda approached her and cried,


    "Amelia! It''s you!"


    Amelia''s eyes widened. She didn''t know what to feel. ''Was Ynda crazy?'' she thought inwardly.


    Ynda normally frowned whenever she saw Amelia. But she was acting theplete opposite now¡ª


    she was actually being friendly to Amelia. Maybe she had already realized her mistakes.


    "I heard from Jasper that your husband is very rich. He offered the Mo family ten million to marry you!"


    Ynda continued, "Lucky you didn''t end up with Jasper, right? Or you wouldn''t have ended up with


    such a rich husband!"


    Amelia''s face darkened and then she nced at Jasper, who was standing behind Ynda.


    "Ynda, shut up." Jasper cowardly grabbed Ynda''s top to pull her towards him, bowed to Amelia,


    and thanked her.


    ''Thank you? Is it for the money?'' Amelia pondered.


    "Just because you''re shameless doesn''t mean that I am too! My husband gave the money to my father


    without my knowledge, but my father didn''t ask for that money. I guess some people just like taking


    money, huh? They were even nning to hold a beautiful and expensive wedding ceremony. So let me


    ask you this. Who are you to spend my money? One of you cheated on me while the other one stole


    my ex-boyfriend? Hmm? What makes you different from all those trashy men and women on TV? So I


    won''t allow you to take that money!" Amelia snapped. She couldn''t hold her anger anymore. She let it


    all out in one breath. Jasper and Ynda exchanged nces.


    Lucian had just gone to get his car and he had juste back. When he heard Amelia, he started


    pping. "Honey, I''m back. Wow, that was amazing. I''m so lucky to have you as my wife!"


    Jasper and Ynda raised their heads at the same time and looked up at him with admiration. Ynda


    begged, "Please talk to her. Jasper and I are nning to get married soon. We just..."


    "I''m sorry, Miss Ynda, the check was sent by my assistant. The person who has the check is Mr.


    Vernon and he just called me and said he was going to return the check. It''ll now serve as Amelia''s


    dowry for our marriage." With a faint smile on his lips, Lucian reached out and put his arm around


    Amelia who looked extra small next to him.


    "Is that true?" Amelia looked at Lucian incredulously, surprised and excited.


    With a doting smile on his face, Lucian nodded, "Yup."


    When Jasper and Ynda heard this, their faces darkened. Ynda was visibly furious, but she


    managed to keep her temper.


    The money was given to Vernon and he had the right to decide what to do with it. Ynda was already


    looking forward to the grand wedding she was going to have with that money and now it was all ruined.


    She couldn''t let out all her anger, so she turned around and started hitting Jasper on the chest with her


    fists. She even cursed at him and called him useless.


    Amelia just merely stood by and watched everything. Jasper merely bowed his head while Ynda hit


    him.


    "Honey, let''s go," Lucian said as he put an arm around Amelia''s waist.


    Amelia froze, but quickly recovered when she remembered that she was supposed to pretend. She


    smiled lovingly to spite Ynda who was now ring at her.


    Before leaving, Amelia nced at Jasper and gave a sarcastic smile.


    That cold winter night, everything seemed to be covered in snow.


    She had gotten so lost in her own thoughts that she forgot to ask where Lucian was taking her. When


    she arrived at her senses, she saw that they had already arrived at Lucian''s vi.


    "Why did you take me here?" Amelia asked as she nced at Lucian, with her hands folded in front of


    her chest.


    "This is your home now," Lucian answered emotionlessly.


    Amelia was rendered speechless.


    She was still trembling from all the events that unfolded this day. She didn''t realize that this was her


    reality now until she touched the huge diamond ring on her finger.


    "Lucian, we''re just pretending. Why did you have to get a marriage certificate? And this stupid ring?"


    Amelia furiously said as she took off the ring and threw it on the ground.


    "Wow, looks like you''re still in a bad mood from bumping into your ex today," Lucian said coldly as he


    looked up.


    Amelia ignored him and was getting ready to leave.


    "What are you doing?" Lucian asked as he walked over to Amelia and grabbed her arm. The look in his


    eyes sharpened when he warned Amelia, "Don''t push me!"


    Lucian was tense now. Batting her eye lids, Amelia said, "I only agreed to pretend to be your wife and


    that doesn''t mean that I have to sleep with you."


    Amelia was so angry that she didn''t know what she was saying anymore. After she had finished


    speaking, Lucian loosened his hand that was gripping on her arm.


    "Amelia, I thought you were just pretending to be innocent and pure. So are you just worried that you


    must sleep with me?" Lucian bent over to pick up the diamond ring that Amelia had just thrown to the


    ground. Then he grabbed her finger and roughly put the ring back on her finger. He sneered as he said,


    "If you ever take that ring off again, I assure you that I''m going to make you regret it."


    Amelia was in a daze as he led her upstairs. It wasn''t until he pushed her inside the bedroom that she


    shouted, "Lucian, I''m warning you!"


    Even though she was heartbroken, that didn''t mean that she didn''t have any self-respect left.


    Lucian nced at her petite figure and sneered.


    He shed her an evil smile which sent a shiver down her spine.


    "Lucian, we need to talk about this. Don''t do this," Amelia warned as she covered her chest with her


    hands.


    Putting his hands on the wall behind Amelia, Lucian closed in the distance between them. They were


    so close to each other now with him towering over her.


    She could hear Lucian''s breathing and his heart beating quickly.


    Amelia had to admit that Lucian was quite a handsome man. Most women would find it hard to resist


    him. But as she thought of what he had done to her, she just grew angry and irritated.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Amelia, listen to me carefully," Lucian said in a low voice. "I won''t do anything to you because we''re


    just pretending. Besides, what makes you think that I would even want to do anything to you? I''m not


    seduced by you at all."


    After that, the shadow hovering on Amelia''s face disappeared and he wasn''t breathing as heavily


    anymore.


    Amelia had visibly rxed, but she was still tense on the inside.


    For some reason, his words had bothered her.

 Chapter 7 Became Famous

    Chapter 7 Became Famous


    Amelia thought that she wouldn''t be able to sleep well since it was her first time sleeping there.


    However, to her surprise, she had a pretty good sleep that night.


    It was a Monday so Amelia was just getting ready to go to work. When she headed downstairs, her


    phone started ringing¡ªit was a message from Courtney. She was worried because she didn''t see


    Amelia at the bar that night. Amelia quickly texted back. When she raised her head, she found Lucian


    standing in front of her and staring at her.


    Amelia was a little stunned and her face flushed out of embarrassment. Lucian was wearing a nice,


    crisp suit. His other hand was clutching an expensive-looking leather briefcase while the other was


    shoved in the pocket of his pants. He looked quite handsome.


    "I''ve made some arrangements. You don''t need to go back to your old job anymore. From now on,


    you''re going to be working at the Zhan Group with me," he said inly. He then nced at her from


    head to toe and added, "Your clothes are in the wardrobe. The ones that are appropriate for your new


    job, I mean."


    Amelia gazed back at him in disbelief, eyes widened. "Are you serious?"


    Last night, Lucian promised that he wouldn''t do anything and suddenly, he was controlling her life. He


    had taken her old job away without her permission.


    "You should see how much you''re going to make at the Zhan Group," Lucian said casually as he put on


    his tie.


    Amelia was not the type to be swayed by money. Even if her sry at her old job was quite low, that


    didn''t mean that she didn''t want to work there anymore.


    Amelia clenched his fists. She was so angry that she couldn''t even bring herself to say something. She


    was just trembling in anger.


    ncing at her, Lucian then added rather harshly, "Your family''s probably busy now. Your father called


    this morning, asking for your help. But I declined on your behalf. That''s your ex-boyfriend''s wedding


    after all. I don''t want you get upset over that."


    "What do you mean?" ''Are they going to have the wedding tomorrow?'' she pondered.


    Even though she had already epted this, it was still painful to think that the man she had spent five


    years with was going to get married to someone else.


    Lucian raised his eyebrows and gave a meaningful smile. Then he looked at Amelia and consoled her,


    "If you want to attend the wedding, I''ll happilye with you."


    When Amelia looked sideways, Lucian''s face came into view. She couldn''t help but sigh inwardly.


    Lucian was so painfully handsome and it was difficult to find a man like him especially with his family


    background. There was no need for her to do that, anyway. Jasper was gone and she had to ept


    that. Besides, it was not like Jasper was an angel. His cheating on her meant that he didn''t deserve her


    love anymore and Amelia deserved someone else better.


    "No, thanks," Amelia said coldly, her face darkening. She then red at him and said, her tone sharp


    as knives, "We''re just a fake couple. Please don''t interfere with my work and my life ever again."


    Gazing back at her, Lucian smiled and said, "Well, since you don''t want to work in the Zhan Group, you


    can just find another job in the city."


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Lucian, what''s wrong with you?" Amelia cursed at him.


    While the ce she worked for was just a smallpany, the working environment was good and


    everyone got along with each other. She had gotten that job through Jasper. At the thought of this,


    Amelia felt a sharp pain in her heart. She frowned as her mind started racing.


    "Amelia, as far as I know, Jasper is a shareholder of thatpany. You''re given special treatment there


    because you were his girlfriend. But things are different now. Don''t be so stupid as to think that they''ll


    still treat you the same way," Lucian said honestly, a cold look on his face.


    Amelia stared at Lucian. She was a bit surprised that Lucian knew her so well especially that they just


    met a few days ago. What he said had made sense. At first, she was reluctant to leave her old job. But


    after hearing what Lucian said, she realized that he was right.


    "Lucian, I find it hard to believe that you''d be so kind," Amelia snorted at Lucian.


    "Actually, I''m not. I just don''t want this toe back and bite me in the ass in the future," Lucian said.


    "Now that this is resolved, let''s go. Time to y."


    After Lucian left, Amelia stood there in a daze for a while. She didn''te to her senses until her


    phone started ringing in her pocket again.


    "Hello, Courtney!"


    "Finally! Marriage is a big deal, you know. Why didn''t you tell me? You told me I''d be your bridesmaid!"


    "No, no, how do you know?" Amelia hadn''t told Courtney yet, so she was extremely surprised to find


    that she already knew. ''Who told her? Jasper? Hmm. Maybe not. I doubt he''d tell her,'' she thought.


    "Don''t y dumb with me. Your name is everywhere. You''re the most famous person in the city right


    now! Literally everyone is talking about you. It''s like you''re a celebrity!" Courtney said, her tone a bit


    envious.


    ''Celebrity?'' Amelia waspletely confused.


    "But I have to admit, you''ve chosen pretty well for yourself, so I forgive you." Courtney''s tone suddenly


    changed. When she spoke, she sounded more light-hearted this time. "Lucian is not only super


    handsome but he''s also a big shot here in the city. Plus the Zhan Group has over a 100 million assets,


    so everyone''s talking about you. They''re wondering how an ordinary girl like you could end up with


    someone like Lucian. Even I was surprised! If Lucian hadn''t announced the news himself, I wouldn''t


    have believed it!"


    He announced the news himself? Courtney sounded so happy. One would have thought that she had


    won the lottery.


    "It''s just... It''s a fake marriage. We''re not really together," Amelia exined. She figured Courtney


    would understand.


    "Amelia, the man you married is the prince charming of the city. Every girl would kill herself being you


    right now. I can''t believe how out of touch you are!" It seemed that Amelia had scored big this time.


    "Well, okay, I have to go now," Amelia hurriedly said. She hung up the phone as she was already


    upset.


    She looked out into the spacious living room in front of her. Everything was calm and quiet. Amelia took


    a deep breath before going out to work.


    It was a cold winter and the skies were cloudy, which mirrored Amelia''s mood.


    She crossed the streets and found herself standing in front of the fountain in the square. She was still


    thinking what kind of jobs she should apply for next.


    "Hey, look! Isn''t that the woman on the news?"


    "Hmm, could be. But I doubt that the wife of the CEO of the Zhan Group would dress like that."


    "But they look so alike..."


    Amelia froze immediately. She didn''t dare turn her head in fear that someone would recognize her.


    When she thought back to what Courtney had said, she immediately took out her phone and started


    searching for her name on the inte. As expected, her photo that was taken on her 24th birthday


    was all over the news. It was coupled with headlines of Lucian announcing that they were already


    married.


    ''Oh, my God! What is Lucian up to? Why is he bringing the press into this?'' she thought to herself.


    If her father hadn''t called her, she would find somewhere secret and roar to vent her anger.


    "Dad, what can I do for you?" Amelia''s stomach twisted and turned into knots.


    She hadn''t talked to Vernon in a while and she didn''t know what to feel.


    After coughing several times on the other end of the phone, Vernon said earnestly, "Amelia. Ynda''s


    getting married tomorrow. You should be here. We''re family after all. Kaaahhkkk, kaaahhkkk,


    kaaahhkkk.... "


    Even though Vernon was calling to convince her toe home, she couldn''t help but notice his


    coughing. She pressed her lips together and then said, "Dad, it''s been getting cold. You should take


    care of yourself more."


    She thought that Vernon would just let the topic go. She was surprised when he insisted. "Amelia, I


    know what she did to you. But could you please do this for your father?"


    he pleaded. He had never asked anything from her before. Amelia didn''t know what to do. She knew


    she couldn''t say no, so she had to agree. "I''ll be there tomorrow morning," she said limply.


    "Oh, and bring Lucian with you," Vernon reminded before hanging up the phone.


    Amelia frowned and immediately refused, "Dad, I only agreed toe back for you. He doesn''t need to


    come with me..."


    "You''re married to him. You shouldn''t be as stubborn anymore. Besides, Lucian is my son-inw. You


    should bring him out of courtesy and politeness. It''s rude for you toe home and not bring your


    husband with you for everyone to meet."


    The way Vernon addressed Lucian surprised her. She wondered why he seemed so familiar with


    Lucian.


    But Vernon was right. Everyone knew about their marriage now. If she came back home alone, who


    knew what Sophia would say to tease her?


    She didn''t want to be seen as some helpless girl who was cheated on and abandoned by her ex-


    boyfriend anymore.


    When she returned to the SJ Garden, Lucian had juste back too. Amelia stood at the gate,


    wondering how she was going to tell him.


    "Good. You know how to go home." Lucian ced his jacket on the sofa and took out a bottle of frozen


    Coke from the refrigerator. He briefly nced at Amelia before chugging the drink down.


    Amelia''s eyes widened in shock when she saw this. She thought, ''Is he crazy? Why is he drinking that


    on such a cold day?''


    "I''m so tired," Lucian said as he leaned his head against the sofa.


    "Where have you been?" When he went out this morning, he looked fresh and crisp. But now, he


    seemed exhausted and even a bit dirty. There was a thin film of sweat on his forehead. If Amelia wasn''t


    aware that it was freezing cold, she would have thought that it was a hot summer day just based on


    how Lucian looked right now.

 Chapter 8 The Couple Returned Home

    Chapter 8 The Couple Returned Home


    "The Zhan Group is involved in the construction industry. Today, I went to the basic level unit and


    worked there. I learned a lot from that experience. I realized I should support those grass-root


    employees first and foremost," Lucian said as he leaned against the sofa.


    He looked especially handsome with his face being lit under the crystalmp. Amelia gazed at his face,


    feeling a vague sense offort as the thick silence enveloped them.


    "Are you hungry? I''m going to cook." Amelia was surprised when she heard herself say this.


    Lucian, who had just closed his eyes, opened his eyes and asked in disbelief, "You can cook?"


    "A bit. Of course, rich people like you don''t really care for the home-cooked meals that I know how to


    make. That''s OK. I cook for myself," Amelia hurriedly exined.


    She was easy to be softhearted and couldn''t bear seeing someone exhausted in front of her. It was her


    instinct to take care of others.


    Lucian raised the corners of his mouth, not saying a word. He couldn''t stop himself from smiling.


    After Amelia familiarized herself with the kitchen, she finally grabbed all the ingredients she needed


    and started preparing.


    Lucian was still in the living room. When he smelled the food Amelia was cooking, he felt as if his


    exhaustion had disappeared. He stared at the clock, lost in thought. He felt like he was in a time loop¡ª


    like it was five years ago and he would stand by the kitchen door, hands in his arms, watching


    someone else flit across the kitchen, cooking.


    Amelia could feel someone''s eyes on her back. Turning her head, she was surprised to find Lucian


    standing there. She shed him an awkward smile and said, "You can go back to the living room and


    watch TV first. Dinner will be ready soon."


    Being stared at like that made her uneasy.


    "What? You don''t like me watching you cook? Do you get distracted by my handsomeness?" Lucian


    teased, letting out a chuckle.


    Amelia frowned. While she certainly didn''t like what he said, she kept her mouth shut. After all, she


    needed his help tomorrow.


    After Amelia served all the hot, steaming food she had cooked, Lucian was taken aback. He had no


    idea that Amelia knew how to cook! Even so, he still said to her, "Well, I wonder if this is edible."


    Amelia didn''t know what to say, so she just proceeded eating.


    In the end, Lucian was enticed and sat across Amelia.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    He popped a piece of chicken in his mouth and started chewing hesitantly. Soon, the wrinkles in his


    eyebrows had ironed out. ''She''s a good cook!'' he thought inwardly.


    "Lucian, if you don''t like it, you can ask your assistant to order some takeout for you," Amelia snorted


    without looking up.


    Lucian snorted as he looked at Amelia who seemed to be enjoying her food. He said bluntly, "Well, it''s


    not so bad. But since you''re my wife, I guess I''ll just have to make do with it."


    What a ridiculous excuse!


    Amelia looked up and red at Lucian. She wanted to pack up all the food she had cooked since he


    didn''t like it anyway. But when she recalled that she had to ask him toe with her to the Mo mansion


    tomorrow, she restrained herself. She shed him a grin and said, "I''m sorry, Lucian."


    Even though she was smiling, her tone implied otherwise.


    After dinner, Lucian seemed to read what was on Amelia''s mind. Smiling knowingly, hemented, "I


    thought you didn''t want to go back. Why did you change your mind?"


    Amelia''s hand was shaking while she was washing the dishes. If the sink wasn''t filled to the brim with


    water, she might have broken a te or two.


    How could this man, who had known her for less than a week, figure out what she was thinking? It was


    either Amelia was just that easy to read or he was just smart.


    When everything was ready, Amelia came out of the kitchen. Lucian was wearing a casual outfit and it


    looked like he had just gotten out of the shower. His thick chest was visible under the thin, cotton


    clothing.


    "I just called and asked. The wedding will be held at ten o''clock in the morning. Your father told us to go


    earlier." Lucian looked charming and handsome even when he was just standing there, holding a cup


    of coffee. If only he didn''t look so indifferent, he would be a ray of sunshine.


    Amelia''s eyes were gleaming as she nodded in response.


    She was feeling annoyed at Lucian for being one step ahead of her and nning this visit more


    thoroughly than her. Still, there was a small part of her that was moved by this gesture.


    He was quick to notice the sadness in her eyes. "If you can''t hold it together, just think of the future.


    This is for the better."


    Amelia didn''t understand what he meant at first. But when she did, she smiled in relief.


    It seemed that he wasn''t always as cold and indifferent after all. He knew how tofort people.


    The following morning, Amelia was woken up by a string of rapid knocks on her door. She hurriedly put


    on her clothes so she could open the door.


    She had assumed it was Lucian telling her to get up. However, when she opened the door, she was


    surprised to find a group of girls. After giving her a polite salute, they said, "Mrs. Amelia, Mr. Lucian


    asked us to help you dress up for today."


    Dress up? Amelia took a step back in embarrassment and immediately refused.


    The little girl in the front replied with embarrassment, "Mrs. Amelia, this is an order. We have to obey.


    Please do us a favor and just cooperate."


    Amelia had no choice but to agree reluctantly.


    She didn''t expect that Lucian could be so considerate. He had not only picked out a dress for her but


    had also hired people to do her make-up. As she sat in front of the mirror, gazing at her made-up face,


    she couldn''t help but think that she did look quite radiant.


    Half an hourter, her makeup was done.


    When Amelia finally stepped out of her room, she saw Lucian who was wearing a nice and sharp grey


    suit. He looked absolutely handsome, his eyes slight narrowed and his nose slightly turned up. His lips


    were curled in a way that showed he was in a good mood.


    Amelia knew that if she showed up at the wedding with Lucian, he would definitely attract all of the


    attention. He was that handsome.


    "30% on the appearance and 70% on the make-up. I think you''ll pass as my wife," Lucian said and


    smirked proudly.


    Amelia blushed. She lowered her head bashfully, which made Lucian''s heart pound.


    Ten minutester, the car drove out of the SJ Garden. Amelia remained silent. The frustration on her


    face was obvious.


    "What? You''re still not over it?" He knew he had to mention it.


    Amelia was a little upset. She turned her head aside and ignored him deliberately.


    It was still early, so Lucian drove to the Mo mansion first.


    The Mo family lived in a small duplex apartment. The gated front yard was littered with all kinds of


    nts and flowers¡ªa hobby that Vernon had developed. This had brought some sense of peace to


    that otherwise restless family.


    There were a lot of people mingling by the door. A few bridesmaids were ying tricks with the


    groomsmen.


    Amelia and Lucian stood side by side and watched them in silence. She was startled when Lucian put


    a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him in astonishment.


    "Let''s go. I''ll go with you." Lucian sounded casual, but every word seemed to weigh in Amelia''s mind.


    "Yo, Amelia. I thought you wouldn''te back. Looks like you came to at least show some respect for


    Ynda." The voice belonged to none other than Sophia, her stepmother. She had always been snide


    with Amelia and often took whatever chance she could to ridicule her.


    Amelia stopped in her tracks and raised her head. Sophia was wearing a bright cheongsam and had on


    delicate makeup. Her ck curly hair made her look extra charming.


    Amelia was used to Sophia already, so she flew past her, ignoring her as she attempted to head


    upstairs.


    "This must be the young and promising man from the Zhan Group, right?" Sophia''s tone was different


    now¡ªshe sounded excited.


    Amelia stopped, turned back and held Lucian''s hand. "You said you wanted to see my father, didn''t


    you? I''ll take you upstairs."


    Lucian didn''t resist. When they were already upstairs, Amelia seemed exhrated.


    "Are you that afraid of your stepmother?" Lucian asked in puzzlement when he noticed that there was a


    slight flush on her pale skin.


    How did Lucian know that Sophia was her stepmother?


    "Don''t be so surprised. As long as you have money, it''s easy to figure out some things," Lucian added


    upon seeing the look on Amelia''s face.


    ncing at Lucian''s handsome face, Amelia curled her lips and knocked on the door.


    "Come in." A man''s deep voice came from the door, apanied by a few coughs.


    "There''s a study next door. You can check it out if you want." She had no intentions of bringing Lucian


    in.


    It seemed that Lucian didn''t hear Amelia as he quickly opened the door and greeted, "Dad, we''re here


    to visit you."


    He was so good at this whole acting thing. Even though she was already improving, she couldn''t act as


    calmly and nonchntly as he was.


    "Lucian, I''m not only happy but also honored to have you here!" Vernon said with a smile as he joyfully


    nced at them. "Amelia, I''m so happy for you. This is your destiny. You''re so lucky to have met


    someone like Lucian. You have no idea how relieved I am. Now I know that you''ll be taken good care


    of."


    The corners of Amelia''s lips lifted slightly. The irony was not lost on her. She had a lot of bitterness in


    her heart from how her rtionship with Jasper had turned out. She still didn''t know what to make of


    how things were turning out now.


    "Amelia, would you mind giving us some privacy? I have something I''d like to discuss with Lucian,"


    Vernon said, his voice hoarse.


    Amelia hesitated for a moment and looked at Lucian. She didn''t know if she should go out since their


    marriage was just a fake one after all. She was worried that her father might make some unreasonable


    requests and she didn''t want to put Lucian in that ufortable situation.


    "Go on. You can leave," Lucian said softly, his voice full of tenderness.


    Amelia was a little confused, but she withdrew her gaze and just nodded.

 Chapter 9 The Incident At The Wedding

    Chapter 9 The Incident At The Wedding


    The party was still going on at the Mo mansion. The crowd gathered and everyone enjoyed the beat of


    the drums. The wedding cars were decorated with bright red roses and dolls hugging each other on the


    front. Amelia felt quite ufortable at the sight of the red roses.


    Soon, the main wedding car arrived and it pulled over in front of the Mo mansion. Jasper got off the car.


    He looked absolutely refreshed and joyous in his beige suit. He wasughing merrily. The word


    "groom" was written across his chest. Amelia stood behind the crowd and watched the man she had


    once loved ept congrattions for his marriage.


    Amelia was quite a vision in her red coat, with her long curly hair, and made-up face. Needless to say,


    she stood out amongst the crowd.


    As his eyes swept through the crowd, Jasper found Amelia standing in the distance. The smile on his


    face disappeared at once. He bowed apologetically to the people surrounding him before walking


    towards Amelia.


    "Amelia, thank you foring." Amelia was lost in her own thoughts, so she was frightened when she


    suddenly heard this voice.


    ''Ha ha. This is so funny. He''s acting as if he needed me here to get married,'' she thought snidely to


    herself.


    Amelia smiled faintly despite the mixed feelings that were stirring up in her heart. She said politely, "I


    wish you happiness. I hope you have a good marriage."


    A sheepish smile appeared on Jasper''s face.


    "Of course, Amelia, I''m going to have a good marriage with Jasper." Ynda suddenly appeared in her


    white wedding dress.


    With an embarrassed look on his face, Jasper was worried that Ynda would make things difficult for


    Amelia. He hurriedly approached Ynda and said, "Ynda, the ceremony''s at ten. I thought you


    wanted to fix your makeup. I''lle with you now."


    Ynda shook off Jasper''s hand and warned Amelia with a ferocious look on her face. "Just because


    you''re married to Lucian doesn''t mean you can do whatever you want. I''m telling you that I''lle for


    you once I''ve found a ce in the city with Jasper."


    It was no secret that Ynda was a fierce woman. She wouldn''t hesitate to take what Amelia had


    especially if she knew that it was what Amelia had always wanted. At that time, Amelia thought this was


    all just a game for Ynda. While she really didn''t care, she just didn''t expect Ynda to fight this hard


    for her love.


    The crowd was buzzing as they pointed and stared at Amelia.


    "Ynda, you''re the bride, right? Shouldn''t you be focusing on getting married?" Lucian suddenly said.


    Upon hearing his voice, people turned to look at Lucian instead.


    "Oh my God! Isn''t that the CEO of the Zhan Group? I didn''t expect him to be so young and handsome!"


    "They said he married the second daughter of the Mo family and they want to keep things in private. He


    admitted their rtionship to the press, but they still want to be given their privacy. Can you imagine?


    What a lucky girl his wife is!"


    "If I ever married someone as handsome as that, I would just die!"


    The gossip continued.


    Even if Lucian didn''t really say anything, the crowd was going nuts over his mere presence. After this,


    Jasper''s face darkened and Ynda was visibly furious.


    Ynda had always been a jealous woman. She couldn''t stand the idea that on her own wedding day,


    someone else was getting the attention! They were also focusing on Amelia''s husband instead of


    Jasper!


    She couldn''t bear this anymore.


    "Shut up, all of you!" she turned around and shouted at her bridesmaids.


    Everything suddenly quieted down.


    Ynda had always been short-tempered. She often shouted at her servants for being stupid.


    The four bridesmaids exchanged nces when Ynda red up. After looking at each in obvious


    difort, they said, "Ynda, this is your wedding day. We want you to have a good time, but we just


    can''t do this¡ªnot if you''re like that. We just can''t be your bridesmaids anymore."


    With that, the four of them left hand in hand.


    The atmosphere was thick with tension. Ynda had always been a proud person. She stiffened when


    her four bridesmaids walked out on her. She threw herself into Jasper''s arms and cried, "The wedding''s


    off!"


    "Ynda, what''s happening?" Sophia had just walked in from the outside and she had no idea what


    was happening. However, upon seeing her daughter in tears, she turned her eyes toward Amelia,


    immediately assuming that it had something to do with her. ''Amelia must have said something to upset


    Ynda. Why else would she be crying on her wedding day?''


    "Mom, you always told me that I''m so lucky to be marrying Jasper, but I don''t have bridesmaids


    anymore. What do I do?" Ynda whimpered, her hands wrapped around Jasper''s waist.


    Amelia was unfazed.


    "Ynda, don''t cry. It''s so annoying. Your father isn''t feeling well, so all these wedding matters are


    handled by me alone. Why are you getting angry? Be a good girl and don''t cry anymore," Sophia said


    impatiently. After a while, she turned her attention to Amelia and said with a smile, "Your bridesmaids


    just care about the money. Just let them go. Amelia is still here, right? Why don''t you ask her to be your


    bridesmaid?"


    "Mom, are you seriously telling me to ask Amelia to be my bridesmaid?" Ynda seemed surprised.


    She reluctantly answered, her eyes filled with spite, "Even though she has married to Lucian, I know


    exactly how she feels about Jasper and I don''t want her to be my bridesmaid!"


    Even if Ynda had asked Amelia, Amelia wouldn''t even agree.


    "Ynda, I don''t think it''s appropriate for you to say that in front of me." Lucian pulled Amelia towards


    his body and spoke on her behalf. "I can forgive you for how you have treated her in the past but she''s


    my wife now. You better watch your mouth!"


    Ynda''s face turned white as a sheet when she heard this. She pursed her lips and tightened her grip


    on Jasper''s arm, feeling aggrieved. She was too angry now and she couldn''t lose face.


    Amelia knew that Lucian only did that so they would look convincing as a couple to the crowd. But she


    was still nheless moved. She smiled faintly as she looked at Lucian, giving him a look of gratitude.


    In response, Lucian''s heartbeat quickened. He was quickly able to recover and returned to his usual


    indifferent self.


    Jasper noticed this and he felt a twinge pain shoot in his heart. If he was being honest with himself, he


    would have broken up with Ynda a long time ago. Amelia was quiet and sensible while Ynda was


    always making a scene and being unreasonable. They were the exact opposites. Regret soon filled his


    heart.


    However, in order to get the property of the Mo family, he had no choice but to marry Ynda.


    "Lucian, Ynda and Amelia have always fought ever since they were little, so don''t take them too


    seriously. It''s almost time for the ceremony. Just let Amelia be her bridesmaid." Sophia was good at


    gauging people. She also knew Lucian was a powerful man and with his background, one couldn''t


    afford to offend him. She tried to show him respect even if she felt that her daughter was wronged.


    "Mrs. Sophia, if you want Amelia to help, you have to ask her yourself. I''m not in the position to make


    decisions on her behalf." With a faint smile on his face, Lucian looked at Amelia, his eyes full of


    tenderness and affection.


    When Amelia met with Lucian''s eyes, she felt somefort take over her restless heart.


    She just wanted to stay out of this whole thing, but she couldn''t. It was up to her to decide now. She


    nced at the angry and indignant Ynda, still uncertain what to do next. She looked at Lucian,


    hoping he would decide for her.


    Noticing the confusion in her eyes, he said, "As a member of the Mo family, she will agree to help even


    though she doesn''t want to."


    Lucian was right. Amelia really didn''t what to help, but she knew that she should. She was Ynda''s


    sister after all. She needed to be there for Ynda mostly to save herself from the snidements


    their friends and rtives might say. Even though Ynda wasn''t her biological sister, she knew she


    needed to do this.


    "Amelia, I know we''ve had a rocky rtionship before, but from now on, I''ll treat you as if you were my


    own daughter. Thank you for helping Ynda," Sophia said sweetly. Her red embroidered dress really


    made her stand out.


    The look on Amelia''s face darkened. She wasn''t pleased to hear these wordsing from Sophia''s


    mouth because she knew that they were just lies.


    Sophia used to mock her just so her daughter would have the spotlight and be able to enjoy the


    privileges of being in the Mo family. She had even tried to sabotage Amelia''s rtionship with Vernon.


    What still hurt Amelia to this very day was the death of her mother, Iris Liu.


    Iris hadmitted suicide by taking poison, but of course, Sophia was still very much involved in it.


    "Amelia, I know I was wrong to steal Jasper away from you. But you''re happy now with Lucian. So we


    can bury the hatchet already. I know you want to help me unless you''re still in love with Jasper!"


    Ynda said disdainfully as she pulled away from Jasper.


    Naturally, Amelia was irritated. She knew her ce. She was Amelia Mo, Vernon''s biological daughter.


    She would always have a ce in the Mo family. No matter what, she would always have a special


    ce in Vernon''s heart. Amelia couldn''t bear Ynda who behaved so arrogantly while asking for help.


    So she decided to fight back.


    "Ynda, would it kill you to say ''please'' and ''thank you'' even just for today? I thought your image and


    reputation were most important to you. Hmm, I wonder why your best friends left you. So are you going


    to ask me for help now?" Amelia fearlessly said, raising her chin and staring at Ynda straight in the


    eyes.


    Ynda froze in ce. She had not expected Amelia to snap at her like this.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Sophia was so embarrassed that she had to leave and go upstairs to talk to Vernon.


    "Amelia, I''m not begging you today. If you don''t want to be my bridesmaid, I won''t force you. I will have


    a grand wedding ceremony anyway!" Ynda was seething. She turned her head and shouted at


    Jasper, who had stayed quiet all this time, "Jasper, let''s go!"


    Amelia felt a gust of wind sweep across her face as the crowd started buzzing around them


    again.

 Chapter 10 She Is The Bridesmaid

    Chapter 10 She Is The Bridesmaid


    "If you don''t want to stay here anymore, we can leave," Lucian suggested calmly as he walked ahead


    of Amelia.


    She didn''t mean to refuse to help but she just couldn''t stand Ynda''s arrogance anymore.


    "Amelia?" Jasper walked in from the outside. Ignoring everyone''s staring, he grabbed Amelia''s hand


    and said, "May I have a word with you?"


    All of a sudden, Jasper had grabbed her and before she could even break free, he was already pulling


    her away.


    "Mr. Jasper, don''t you think we should be more careful about what we do and say in public?" Lucian


    said coolly as he maintained his grip on Amelia''s other hand.


    Jasper looked a little embarrassed. He released Amelia''s hand and bowed his head to apologize.


    "Sorry, Lucian. I forgot my manners. I was in a hurry."


    "If you''re here to ask my wife to be your fianc¨¦e''s bridesmaid, you''d better save your energy. I just don''t


    want my wife to be aggrieved anymore." Lucian was acting as if it was his responsibility to protect


    Amelia. But the irony was not lost on Amelia.


    How could their real feelings be so deep?


    As Jasper turned his attention back to Amelia, he begged, "Amelia, I know you hate me but the


    wedding''s happening right now, could you just please set aside your personal feelings ande help


    out your sister?"


    This was the first time that Jasper had ever begged her. It was ridiculous that he''s begging her for the


    sake of another woman.


    Amelia was obviously hurt by this but after giving it some thought, she finally decided to agree.


    When Amelia nodded her head, Jasper was visibly thrilled. He grabbed Amelia''s hands and said in a


    grateful tone, "Amelia, I knew you would say yes. You''ve always been so considerate."


    It was difficult to find him sincere in his words.


    Amelia looked toward Lucian who seemed indifferent and unbothered.


    "Amelia, you don''t have to look out for me. Plus, didn''t I say I''d help you?" Lucian suddenly whispered


    in Amelia''s ear.


    She pressed her lips together before going to change into her purple bridesmaid dress. After which,


    she went to the wedding with Lucian by her side.


    The weather outside was beautiful. The sun was up and shining but Amelia wasn''t feeling the same


    way. Instead, she felt nervous.


    "To be honest, you''re more graceful than your sister but she has the body." There was a moment of


    hesitation in Lucian''s voice before he continued, "I think that''s what she had over you."


    She knew what Lucian meant by saying that. He was trying to tell her that Ynda was confident


    because she knew she had the body for it.


    "So is Ynda more your type or what?" Amelia snapped, giving him a disdainful look.


    "Oh, well, she''s smarter than you," Lucian bit back.


    "Lucian, are you trying to get on my nerves? You''re going to have to do a lot more than that." She


    turned her face away and ignored Lucian.


    When they arrived at the wedding, the wedding host had just announced that the wedding was about to


    start.


    The event was luxuriously decorated and the guests were buzzing with excitement. It was a refreshing


    break from the cold atmosphere in the Mo mansion.


    As the wedding march yed, the groom and bride started walking down the aisle hand in hand.


    Amelia carefully walked behind them. She cast a nce at Lucian who was sitting off the stage and


    she unconsciously blushed.


    The bridesmaid dress was strapless which exposed most of Amelia''s skin. She wasn''t used to wearing


    clothes like these. It reminded her of the night she was drunk and Lucian had seen her and taken


    photos of her.


    "Mr. Jasper, will you promise to love your wife in poverty and wealth, health and illness? Will you


    promise to love and respect her for the rest of your life?"


    After the priest had dered the solemn vows of marriage, everyone''s eyes were focused on the bride


    and groom. Only Lucian was looking toward Amelia. He didn''t know why but he felt so drawn to her at


    that moment that he couldn''t help but look at her.


    In the five years that Amelia had dated Jasper, she''d dreamed of her wedding with him countless of


    times. He''d promised her then that they''d live happily ever after. She didn''t expect that she would


    be a bridesmaid at his wedding with a different woman.


    While she thought that she would be happy for him, she found herself feeling upset and dismal.


    Soon, the wedding was over before Amelia even realized it. She didn''t realize how cold she was until


    she''d snapped back to her senses. She rubbed her bare arms roughly to warm herself up a bit as she


    walked toward the backstage to change into her evening dress. She suddenly felt two strong hands


    grasp hers. She turned and found Lucian standing in front of her. Trying to wriggle herself free, she


    said,


    "I thought you left already." She covered her chest with her other hand and lowered her head bashfully.


    Noticing that Amelia was cold, Lucian took off his coat and ced it around Amelia.


    She was startled by the sudden warmth that reced the freezing cold.


    She''d watched this scene on TV so many times but she''d never experienced it herself until now and it


    certainly felt different.


    She raised her head and whispered thanks, her eyes averting his gaze.


    It wasn''t like her to wear makeup so that night, she looked absolutely stunning with her makeup on


    coupled with the elegant dress she was wearing. When she smiled, Lucian felt his heart skip a beat.


    For a while, he just kept his gaze on her, a small smile ying on his lips.


    "Oh, Lucian, Amelia. You''re here. I''ve been looking for you." Ynda''s shrill voice broke the silence


    between them.


    In embarrassment, Lucian looked away. His gentle expression disappeared and was quickly reced


    with his usual cold demeanor.


    Ynda had changed into a red cheongsam. There was a peony pattern embroidered on the red


    cheongsam and a shawl was draped over her shoulder. She looked beautiful with her curly hair.


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    "Ynda, I thought mother asked you to put on more clothes, why didn''t you listen to her?" Jasper was


    justing over with Ynda''s coat in hand, frowning.


    Ynda seemed pissed. She snapped, "Well, I have a shawl, don''t I? Everyone''s going to be looking at


    me today. I can''t possibly wear that!"


    Ynda liked being beautiful no matter what. She never went out without any makeup on. During


    winter, she''d wear thin silk stockings. She would get her hair done on a weekly basis and would use


    that time to smoke a cigarette or two. Most of all, she loved going to the bar with her friends.


    She was pregnant now so she couldn''t do any of those anymore. It was hard to tell how well she was


    adjusting to this new lifestyle she was supposed to have.


    At the thought of this, Amelia pinched herself hard and scolded herself in her mind, ''Mind your own


    business.''


    "You''re pregnant now. You''re going to adjust," Jasper begged, his voice low and his eyebrows knitted


    together.


    His words enraged Ynda. She red at him as she spoke, her voice sharp as knives, "Did you only


    marry me because I''m pregnant?"


    With an aghast look, Jasper turned to look at Amelia and said in an apologetic tone, "Thank you so


    much for attending our service. I deeply apologize for the hups that we experienced. I sincerely hope


    we can make it up to you."


    "Jasper, why are you changing the topic? I''m asking you!" It seemed that Jasper mentioning Amelia''s


    name had triggered Ynda causing her to shoot daggers with her eyes at Amelia. She pulled at his


    sleeve and said, "I want you to tell Amelia right now that you don''t love her anymore!"


    Amelia didn''t know what was happening. Why was Ynda acting like that? Didn''t they just literally get


    married? Why was she still doubting him?


    If Jasper were being honest, he just felt like he had no history with Ynda. He spent five years in


    another rtionship whom he didn''t end up with.


    As far as she knew, there should always be respect in a love that''s supposedly mutual.


    It seemed that Jasper had already forgotten the true meaning of love. Being with Ynda was an act of


    self-defeat to him.


    Since her mother passed away, Amelia felt as if she was practically treated as a servant in the Mo


    family. Sophia never liked being a stepmother. Ynda always mistreated her. She only opened up her


    heart when she met Jasper. She trusted him without getting to know him first expecting him to love her


    as much as Vernon loved her. She didn''t expect that any of this would happen.


    "Ynda, just stop it, okay?" Jasper begged, he seemed embarrassed. "Ynda, you''re my wife now.


    Can''t you trust me just a little?"


    Ynda merely sneered at him.


    "I trust you but I have to hear it from your mouth. I have to hear you say those words. I need proof that


    you don''t love her anymore." Ynda had an evil grin on her face. She raised her chin and looked at


    Amelia arrogantly as if she was dering war against her.


    "Honey, I love you."


    A deep and soft voice suddenly rang in Amelia''s ears.


    Amelia felt his hot breath in her ear. She felt a chill run from her neck down to her spine, her face


    flushed, and her heart was beating a mile a minute.


    To everyone else, their love was a bit of a fairytale. It wasn''t believable considering that they were from


    two different worlds.


    "Jasper, look!" Ynda red at Jasper who was still in a daze. Then she turned to Amelia and said in


    a threatening voice, "Since you and Lucian seem to be legitimately in love, I''ll let you go. But I''m


    warning you, the minute I find out that you still have feelings for Jasper, I''ll make sure you pay for


    it."

 Chapter 11 Display Of Affection

    Chapter 11 Disy Of Affection


    As soon as the words left Ynda''s mouth, she turned in an attempt to leave but was surprisingly


    blocked by Amelia.


    "What are you doing?" Ynda struggled for a while but she was no match for Amelia. She angrily


    shouted, "Amelia, just because you married Lucian it doesn''t mean you can get away with things! Let


    me tell you right now: marrying into a rich family doesn''t solve your problems."


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Amelia sneered, staring her down. "You''re always going to want what I have and I''m sorry to tell you


    this but Lucian will never be interested in you."


    Amelia was being so confident that it was almost out of character.


    She didn''t know that for a fact about Lucian but for some reason, when she was saying it, she knew


    that it was true.


    Ynda''s face turned white as a sheet. In an attempt to save face, she grabbed Jasper''s arm and said,


    "Did you hear what she said? She thinks you''re just one of her leftovers!"


    Jasper''s face turned gloomy and a hint of disappointment shed in his eyes. However, when he


    looked at Amelia, he said softly, "Amelia, as long as you''re happy."


    "Of course!" Amelia''s eyes were gleaming and it was difficult to make out what she was really feeling.


    After the luncheon, most of the guests had already left. Amelia figured it was time for her to leave as


    well. However, Vernon suddenly approached her and took her hand.


    "Amelia, how about you? When are you and Lucian going to get married? When are you going to have


    the ceremony?" he asked. Vernon was still wearing his festive Tang costume and he seemed even


    happier than usual.


    Amelia was rendered speechless. She didn''t expect that her father would ask about her and Lucian''s


    marriage in such a straightforward manner. Plus, their marriage was just a fake. There was no point in


    holding a grand wedding ceremony for a fake marriage.


    After all, it was Lucian''s decision too to keep a low-key profile.


    After thinking for a while, she smiled and said, "Dad, Lucian and I are already married on paper. He''s


    too well-known. If we hold a wedding, media coverage will be crazy and I just can''t handle that. It would


    wear me out."


    Her resentment toward her father stemmed from when her mother passed away. After a while, it began


    to fade especially when he grew ill. When that happened, she just tried her best to support him and not


    cause him any stress.


    "I know that you''re always thinking of other people but I''m still your father and it''s still my dream to see


    you get married with a grand wedding. Besides, it''s not like you''ve known Lucian for so long. In the


    future, that might..."


    "Dad, it doesn''t matter that I just met Lucian. Things just work out that way sometimes. Lucian and I


    met at the right time. That''s why we got along so well. You don''t need to worry about us." Amelia tried


    to keep her tone as easygoing as possible so as tofort her father.


    She knew that Vernon wasn''t the type to be tricked easily so he would definitely still have doubts.


    "Honey, if you ever feel like you''re unhappy or if ever you get mistreated, just tell me and don''t keep it


    to yourself," Vernon said, sighing.


    Amelia nodded with a smile. Her heart ached when he left.


    Iris hadmitted suicide when she was nearly 15 years old. Not a month had passed and Vernon


    already had Sophia and her daughter living in their house. While Iris had suffered from depression and


    that was what led to her suicide, Amelia knew that her depression was caused by Vernon''s infidelity.


    She''d never said this to anyone but she hadn''t been able to keep it off her mind for years.


    If Vernon hadn''t fallen ill, she might have just continued nursing her ill feelings towards him. After


    Vernon almost had a heart attack, she changed. She realized how short life was and there was no point


    in holding grudges against her own father.


    She was a real member of the Mo family but ever since Ynda and Sophia started living with them,


    she felt as if she was demoted to a maid. They always grabbed the chance to bully her whenever they


    could. When she went to college, she was d to finally leave home. Things were turning out great


    especially that she''d met Jasper, the man of her dreams. He rented a house for the two of them. She


    thought things were finally falling into ce for her. At least for the next five years that''s what she


    thought. Until Jasper left her.


    "What are you doing here? I called you but you didn''t answer." A cold voice suddenly came from her


    side.


    In a moment of desperation, Amelia wiped her face with her hands to hide the fact that she was crying.


    She then shook her head in embarrassment and muttered, "Nothing."


    Frowning, Lucian eyed her. He closed in the distance between them so he could get a better look of her


    face. He then asked in a strange tone, "Why are you crying?"


    Even if she''d attempted to wipe away her tears, it left a stain on her face. Her eyes were red too. All


    signs pointed to the obvious: she had indeed been crying.


    She couldn''t help but burst into tears as she recalled her past.


    However, to Lucian, it seemed as if she was mourning over losing Jasper.


    Lucian didn''t know why but he found himself growing upset at the thought of this.


    He frowned and said coldly, "The wedding''s over. We should leave."


    After which, he left without even waiting for Amelia to respond first.


    Amelia only recollected herself a few momentster. She then followed him.


    Her short legs gave her a disadvantage as she wasn''t able to catch up with Lucian who was already in


    the hallway. When she arrived at the car, she was out of breath. Lucian merely gave her a quick nce


    and reminded her to fasten her seatbelt. He then drove his Porsche in full speed.


    Neither of them said anything throughout the entire car ride which made the atmosphere a little


    awkward. Amelia couldn''t help but feel grateful toward him when she recalled how he''d saved her


    earlier.


    Before she could blurt out a thanks to him, Lucian said, "We need to go to the Zhan mansion tomorrow.


    My mom''s definitely going to give you a hard time but just don''t say anything and I''ll take care of the


    rest."


    Amelia turned her head and looked at Lucian silently. She still wasn''t feeling okay.


    "We need to go to the Zhan mansion tomorrow. My mom''s definitely going to give you a hard time but


    just don''t say anything and I''ll take care of the rest."


    Amelia turned her head and looked at Lucian silently. She still wasn''t feeling okay.


    They had a deal after all. He''d helped her today so now it was her turn to help him tomorrow.


    "Okay," she agreed softly.


    As soon as the car arrived at the door of the SJ Garden, Amelia hadn''t gotten off the car yet and she


    spotted Darren standing outside their door with a sweet-looking girl by his side.


    "Oh, Lucian, you''re finally back! My feet are killing me!"


    the girlined as soon as they got off the car.


    When the girl spoke, her voice was clear. She looked delicate in her white woolen coat, pink skirt, and


    flesh-colored stockings. As Amelia eyed the stockings, she trembled. ''Isn''t it cold?'' she thought to


    herself.


    "Shelly? What are you doing here?" Lucian sounded surprised. Then he turned to Amelia and said,


    "This is Amelia, my wife."


    Amelia was thoroughly impressed by Lucian''sposure. Whenever she lied, her face and her ears


    always turned red. But he seemed like a natural. The words just rolled off his tongue. He was so good


    at acting that it was almost a waste that he wasn''t an actor.


    Amelia smiled stiffly and greeted her politely. She was very ufortable.


    If her instincts were right, Shelly seemed to be the type of girl that parents liked. It was like she was the


    perfect daughter-inw.


    Amelia noticed that Shelly was ring at her. Then she turned to Lucian and asked in disbelief,


    "Lucian? Are you serious? Married?"


    She sounded disappointed.


    "Yes," Lucian said coolly, nodding and casually putting an arm around Amelia. He smiled and said,


    "Shelly''s father and my father are best friends. We practically grew up together."


    Looks like they were childhood sweethearts.


    Amelia didn''t know what to say. She just smiled despite feeling a little guilty. Shelly was looking at


    Lucian with much affection in her eyes. The way she looked at him made Amelia feel a little


    ufortable.


    "Lucian, why? Did you forget about my family''s deal with yours?" As she spoke, tears streamed down


    her face from the corner of her eyes. Her face was instantly stained with tears. The softness in her


    voice tugged at Amelia''s heartstrings.


    "Miss Shelly, actually I..."


    "Amelia, Shelly and I haven''t seen each other for a long time. We''d like to have some time to catch up.


    You''re an amazing cook, right? Why don''t you cook dinner for us?" Lucian interrupted Amelia quickly.


    He grasped her slender wrist and looked at her square in the eye. "You don''t mind, dear, do you?"


    Amelia was a little taken aback. She then turned to look at Shelly who was still crying and said shyly,


    "Of course, not. I''d love to cook dinner."


    Lucian was slightly embarrassing her. It seemed that he had chosen his words carefully to make it not


    sound like he was threatening her when in fact, he actually was. If she didn''t agree to what he said, she


    was just going to look stupid. Besides, they needed to be believable as a couple so she had to y her


    part even if it meant a little difort for her.


    "Shelly, let''s go inside." Lucian''s usual cold demeanor was reced by warmth and even his indifferent


    tone seemed to have emotion.


    Shelly seemedforted by this. She held his arm and proudly said, "I knew you didn''t change!"


    As Amelia watched this entire scene unfold, she couldn''t help but be shocked. Shelly was literally just


    crying a second ago and now she was smiling as if nothing had happened. Her mood changed that


    quickly.

 Chapter 12 Let Me Hold You For A While

    Chapter 12 Let Me Hold You For A While


    Amelia lowered her head as they headed inside the vi. She followed behind Lucian and Shelly who


    were busy chatting away. When she finally arrived at the kitchen, she took a deep breath.


    Now that she was thinking about it, maybe it was better that she stay in the kitchen to cook. At least


    this way, she didn''t have to be around them and be ufortable.


    "Mrs. Amelia, what can I do for you?" Darren suddenly went into the kitchen and offered her help.


    Amelia was startled by Darren''s sudden appearance. When she had calmed down, she quickly waved


    her hands and said, "No, I''m good. Thank you."


    Darren furrowed his eyebrows and then he opened his mouth and closed it several times as if he had


    something to say.


    "Do you have something to say, Darren?" she asked upon noticing theplicated look on Darren''s


    face.


    Darren crossed his hands, lost in thought. After a while, he asked with a perplexed look on his face,


    "Mrs. Amelia, do you really love Lucian?"


    Amelia felt her throat constrict as soon as she heard this. She was unable to utter a word.


    She''d never thought of that before. She''d never even considered it because how could that be possible


    when they had no emotional foundation whatsoever?


    On paper, Lucian was a good man. He was handsome and he was kind-hearted. He was definitely way


    better than Jasper who had cheated on her.


    He was indeed a good man. It wasn''t surprising that countless women wed after him.


    "I''m sorry, Mrs. Amelia. I didn''t mean to ask you that," he apologized at once.


    Since they were already married, she had to y her part. She smiled easily and answered, "You


    know, the love between two people isn''t only measured in how much they express it but in how


    harmonious they are together, in their everyday lives, and in the little things."


    Amelia may be technically lying but she said what was in her heart. To her, that was what made a good


    marriage.


    Darren nodded thoughtfully and said with a gentle smile, "Since there''s nothing I can help with here, I''ll


    go back to the mansion first."


    "Thank you, Darren. You''re free to join us for dinner before you leave." Even though she didn''t really


    know Darren that well yet, she didn''t feel as nervous around him as she thought she would. Perhaps it


    was because he was the same age as Vernon and she always respected the elder.


    After cooking dinner, Amelia headed to the living room to tell them that dinner was ready. However,


    before she could even say anything, she was stopped in her tracks in shock of what she had seen.


    "Lucian,e here and let me hug you. Since you have married someone else, I won''t ever have a


    chance with you." Shelly was snuggling up in Lucian''s arms, crying and clutching his arm. From her


    position, she had a clear view of Amelia who was stunned as she witnessed this. Shelly sneered and


    continued, "You''ve always protected me ever since I was a child. If anything happened to me and you


    weren''t there, I wouldn''t know what to do..."


    What she said made Amelia''s heart tighten. She couldn''t help but think of Jasper. Jasper who used to


    protect her and had now left her.


    She had nothing but sympathy for Shelly.


    "Shelly, you''re not a kid anymore." Lucian had already shaken her off when he noticed Amelia standing


    by. He shed her a smile and asked, "Is dinner ready?"


    His voice was gentle and warm as he spoke.


    Amelia looked up and nodded.


    She looked at Shelly apologetically since she thought she had interrupted them.


    During the dinner, Shelly wouldn''t stop talking about her past with Lucian. She''d bber on about how


    Lucian used to be, how much she adored him, how good he was to her. Safe to say that everything that


    came out of her mouth had something to do with Lucian.


    Amelia remained nonchnt all throughout. When Shelly stopped eating, she urged her to eat more.


    She meant to be polite but Shelly seemed to misunderstand her thinking that she was asserting her


    position as Lucian''s wife.


    After dinner, Shelly insisted on washing the dishes with Amelia. Amelia bashfully refused, waving her


    hand. She insisted that Shelly was a guest and that it was just a few bowls and chopsticks so she didn''t


    really need any help.


    "I''ll just stand here and learn from you watching you then," Shelly said sweetly while rolling her eyes.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Learn? Amelia was confused at first but then she figured that Shelly was probably as rich as Lucian


    and had probably never had to do a single chore in her entire life.


    Someone as wealthy as she was didn''t really need to get her hands dirty. She had assistants to do all


    those things for her. The Mo family had servants too but Sophia was very exclusive with them. They


    could only serve her and Vernon. Thus, Amelia still had to do housework. The Mo family wasn''t a big


    family either. Vernon only had a smallpany which only made enough to support the family leaving


    not much room for excess spending.


    Shelly leaned against the door, with her hands across her chest as if she was presiding over a meeting


    of some sort.


    "It doesn''t matter if Lucian married you because his parents are never going to ept you. You''re way


    too shallow. I bet you just seduced Lucian." Amelia dropped the dish she was washing in the sink. She


    hurriedly picked it up. While she was obviously shaken up, she was able to quickly gather herself and


    resume what she was doing.


    Gone was the sweet Shelly from earlier. She was ring at Amelia obviously angry and jealous. Right


    now, she was nowhere near the girl she was when Lucian was around.


    While Amelia didn''t know what the story was behind Lucian and Shelly, she knew she had to say


    something to defend herself. After all, she was Lucian''s wife now.


    "Should I really care whether or not his parents ept me? I''m already married to him. As long as he


    epts me and loves me, I''ll do whatever I can to receive his parents'' blessing." Amelia really didn''t


    know what was happening. For all she knew, Shelly could have been the one being wronged. If Shelly


    was, Amelia felt sorry for her but that still didn''t change the fact that she didn''t know what to say to her.


    Shelly''s chest heaved in anger. She raised her hand in an attempt to p Amelia but Lucian stopped


    her in time. "Shelly, you can do whatever the hell you want. You''re practically my sister after all. But


    when ites to Amelia, I''m drawing the line. This is my wife we''re talking about here."


    He sounded so strong and so sure in his words. Amelia couldn''t help but blush. This handsome man


    was fighting for her and defending her. Anyone would swoon over Lucian. He was like a knight in a


    shining armor.


    The expression on Shelly''s face darkened. She cast a furious nce at Amelia and said in a fluster,


    "Lucian, you''re going to regret this!"


    After this, Shelly left without even looking back.


    Amelia''s heart tightened. She turned to Lucian and said, "Hurry!"


    "What are you talking about? She''s not my wife," Lucian answered casually as he looked down at


    Amelia.


    Amelia frowned, unsure what he meant.


    "Then I''ll go." It was alreadyte and they were far from downtown. If something happened to Shelly,


    she would feel guilty.


    "It''s none of your business, Amelia. I''ve asked my driver to send her home," Lucian said coldly,


    blocking Amelia''s path.


    Amelia was a bit surprised. ''When did he have the time to tell his driver to send Shelly home?'' she


    thought to herself in puzzlement.


    She rubbed the back of her head awkwardly, her eyes looking elsewhere. It took a while before she


    was finally able to choke out a thank you.


    "You must be exhausted. You should go rest." There was a touch of warmth in Lucian''s deep voice.


    Amelia felt her heart jump upon hearing this. She felt a certain warmth filling her chest.


    Lucian was actually showing emotions. He cared about other people too. Amelia felt heart tingling. She


    then raised her head and gave him a sweet smile.


    Her smile reminded him of fresh lilies that had the softest graze of a fragrance. He was entranced.


    Amelia looked even more beautiful when she smiled.


    These past two days, she had mostly been frowning and she rarely smiled. Now, she looked like a


    beauty that reminded him of the sun brightening up a rainy day.


    Lucian was quickly able to collect himself and put on his usual cold demeanor. She was a fresh breath


    of air. Unfortunately, Lucian just couldn''t entertain whatever he was feeling right now.


    He needed a fake marriage, not a real rtionship. He didn''t even want to think about what had


    happened to him three years ago. The pain from what happened tortured him for so long. He''d never


    put himself in a position where he could possibly get hurt like that ever again. This fake marriage was


    all that he could handle right now.

 Chapter 13 The Meeting of the In-Laws

    Chapter 13 The Meeting of the In-Laws


    The next morning, someone knocked on Amelia''s door. As she opened her heavy lids, she


    remembered what she had promised Lucian yesterday. Amelia sprang out of bed and rubbed away the


    sleep from her eyes. ''Ah, I''m meeting Lucian''s parents today!'' she thought, getting nervous and


    flustered.


    "I... I''m getting up! I''ll be ready in a minute!" She rushed into the bathroom and washed up, then quickly


    changed her clothes. After checking how she looked in the mirror onest time, she hurried downstairs.


    There, she saw that Lucian was having breakfast. The way he looked in his ck suit handsomely


    suited his overall cold and stiff appearance. Seeing him like this made it seem as if the warm words he


    said fromst night were only a dream.


    "Sorry, I overslept," Amelia said apologetically as she walked over to him.


    Most of the time, Amelia woke up early. It was just that she did not expect that she would go to bed so


    latest night.


    "It doesn''t matter." After taking a bite on a piece of bread, Lucian put it back on his te and coldly


    nced at Amelia. "There was only enough breakfast for one person. You can eat what I''ve left. If


    you''re still hungry, you can go to the Zhan mansion to get something to eat. That''s what you get for


    sleepingte."


    "What did you say?" Amelia couldn''t believe what she just heard. With an eyebrow raised, she eyed


    that bitten piece of bread Lucian was offering. "You want me to eat that?" she asked exasperatedly.


    "You were the one who was supposed to make breakfast," Lucian shrugged, "But you didn''t wake up


    early enough. I think you should be grateful that I even decided to share with you the breakfast that I


    prepared."


    "Lucian, do you really think I should thank you for your kindness?" Amelia was irritated by his words.


    ''Why is he like this all of a sudden? I don''t understand how he can make fun of me like this!''


    "You can choose not to eat since you only have five minutes left. By then, we have to leave and head


    up to the Zhan mansion. It''s really up to you," Lucian said in a low and cold voice.


    Amelia was stunned for a long time.


    This man waspletely different from what he was yesterday! But then, Amelia suddenly realized


    something. ''Yesterday, we were in front of other people. But now it''s just the two of us. There''s no need


    for him to act so cordial around me right now.''


    "Fine. Let''s go," Amelia said with a bitter smile.


    "I hope you know how important this is," Lucian coldly reminded Amelia as he got into the car. "Show


    the best possible version of yourself. I hope you can cooperate with me no matter how unwilling you


    are."


    Was this still a negotiation? Why did that sound more of like an order?


    Although Amelia was a bit reluctant, she still nodded her head inpliance as she quietly sighed to


    herself.


    The Zhan mansion was located at a hillside, right where thend met with the sea. ording to


    Chinese geomancy¡ªof which the Zhan family was quite fastidious about¡ªa house surrounded by both


    earth and water gathered energy and prosperity.


    As the car drove up the driveway, the gates automatically opened. There was a stone fountain right in


    front of the grand vi, and a flower nursery to the left. Amelia gazed at awe at the beautiful flowers,


    many of which she did not have a name for. On colder days, the flowers were all in full bloom. It was


    such a rare and delightful sight to see.


    Lucian stepped out of the car. The aura of nobility he had as he stood at the luxurious grounds of the


    vi made his seem like he was born to be a prince living in the castle.


    When Darren saw the car, he immediately weed Lucian with a big smile on his face, "Mr. Lucian is


    back. Herdyship missed you quite so."


    They followed Darren into the vi. The floors were made out of marble, imported straight from Italy.


    There was an intricate crystal chandelier hanging in the hall, illuminating the grand staircase with a


    warm light. On each wall were big, arched windows. There were also paintings hung here and there,


    giving the whole ce a quiet but elegant ambiance.


    A chorus ofughter sounded from the living room, creating an air of peacefulness and cheer.


    "We have a guest?" Lucian frowned.


    "It''s Miss Shelly An. She came here to visit Mrs. Fannie," Darren answered hesitantly as he nced at


    Amelia.


    Hearing Shelly''s name, Amelia felt her heart skip a beat. At that moment, she could just imagine


    Shelly''s angry and ferocious face.


    "Let''s go, Amelia." Suddenly, Lucian stretched out his hand to her. The look on his cold face made it


    look as there was an urgent matter at hand, and that he was asking for her permission to hold hands.


    Amelia opened her mouth slightly. She was surprised and didn''t know if she should hold his hand.


    Thinking of the hateful look he gave her before they left SJ Garden, Amelia sighed lightly and turned


    her head away angrily.


    "Lucian!" Shelly was sitting on the sofa in the living room. When she saw Lucian, she screamed joyfully


    and jumped out of her seat.


    "Ah, you''re back!" Fannie said happily as she turned around.


    Lucian didn''t say anything. He pulled Amelia, who was hiding behind him, to his side.


    "Oh... Why did you bring her here?" The moment Fannie saw Amelia, the smile on her face froze. It


    was easy to tell that she was not happy seeing Amelia there.


    "Amelia''s my wife. Is it wrong for me to take her home?" Lucian held Amelia''s hand tighter, interlocking


    his cold fingers into hers. His voice was icy and domineering, as if he was just about to dere war.


    Amelia had been clenching her fist behind her since she entered the room. Now she didn''t know what


    to do, especially in front of all the people.


    "Lucian, you can do whatever you want outside. But you can''t just take some random woman back to


    the mansion!" Fannie said scornfully as she eyed Amelia up and down, "Especially not women who


    look like they''re after money!"


    Amelia looked up and tried to exin, but Lucian grasped her hand even tighter.


    She tilted her head, her eyes filled with grievance and helplessness.


    The disgust in Fannie''s eyes and the hurtful words were undoubtedly like sharp knives, deeply stabbing


    her self-esteem.


    "If you have anything bad to say, you can say it to my face. There''s no need to nder Amelia," Lucian


    spoke, his tone as low as ever, but his words reverberated powerfully.


    "What... Are you really going to argue with me?" said Fannie, her fingers trembling with anger.


    Seeing this, Shelly came over tofort her. "Auntie, don''t be angry. I''m sure that Lucian would never


    mean to disrespect you. If anything, I think the best thing to do..."


    Shelly leaned in closer and whispered in Fannie''s ear.


    At that moment, Shelly looked deliberately at Amelia.


    The way her eyes twinkled didn''t look as if she was offering a reasonable solution ¡ª it was a look that


    was stirring up trouble.


    Then, Fannie nodded in agreement. "Since you have the nerve toe here to the mansion," Fannie


    said as she pointed a finger at Amelia, "you must promise me right here and now that you will not


    spend a single penny from the Zhan family!"


    The contempt in Amelia''s eyes reflected in Fannie''s.


    It wasn''t because she truly hated. She knew Fannie just wanted to protect her son. Even still, all this


    talk about money and the way they judged her made Amelia unhappy.


    "Auntie, look! She''s even ring at you!" Shelly pointed out.


    "Get out," Fannie said through clenched teeth. "Get out before Lucian''s father sees you here."


    "I know your family is the richest in the city. But I just want to remind you that the one who wanted this


    marriage was your son, not me!" ''I know I told Lucian that I had to y my roll well. But that doesn''t


    mean that I would just let this woman verbally abuse me like this!'' Amelia sneered in her heart.


    "So you feel wronged to be my daughter-inw?" It seemed that Fannie didn''t expect this and she


    lowered her voice. But the anger on her face didn''t fade away.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    "What Amelia said is right. I forced her to marry me. There''s no reason to bully my wife, and I most


    certainly won''t allow it." Lucian held Amelia''s hand firmly.


    Amelia cast a sidelong nce at the man beside her, hardly recognizing him at all.


    She slightly held onto Lucian''s hand as well. The warmth from his palm was reassuring, but she was


    still quite uneasy.


    It was a lie that she was not afraid of them. She had always respected elders. If Fannie wasn''t as


    sharp-tongue as she was, Amelia wouldn''t have fought back like that.


    "Auntie, didn''t you just say you liked me most? Since I''m here, you should be happy. Don''t let your


    good mood be affected by insignificant people!" Shelly said as she gently patted Fannie''s back.


    "Lucian, listen to me. Why don''t you marry such a good girl like Shelly? I just don''t understand how you


    could marry some unknown woman. Who knows where she''s been and what she''s really after! When


    you finally get fooled by that wife of yours, don''t say I didn''t tell you so!" Fannie exasperated. Shaking


    her head, she held Shelly''s hand. "Shelly, I''m so sorry. Your shot at a good marriage and a good


    husband has been ruined!"


    "No matter what happens, everything all of you say doesn''t matter. Amelia and I are married. I just


    came to inform you of this news, so your objection is invalid." Lucian''s eyes darkened, his face taunt


    and stern.


    After hearing what Lucian said, Amelia became more and more confused. She wondered why Lucian


    was in such a hurry to find a woman to get married to, but was unwilling to marry a woman to actually


    love. Then she remembered what he said, about how he wanted to make his own decisions in his life


    for a change.


    ''But...'' Amelia thought, ''the decision he made may never satisfy him.'' After all, there was no love


    between them.


    "We''re done here, Amelia. Let''s go head back," Lucian said softly to Amelia. Hearing his gentle voice


    made Amelia snap out of her daze. She blushed and looked at his mother awkwardly. When she found


    that Fannie was still extremely angry, she quickly withdrew her gaze and silently nodded.


    ''Good. I don''t think I''m willing to stay here for a second longer!'' she thought.


    "It''s not every day that youe back here, Lucian. Stay and have lunch with us before you leave,"


    Shelly said with a point as she walked up to him. Without a second thought, she held onto his arm as if


    it was the most natural thing in the world and continued, "Don''t forget me after you get married. I''m still


    deeply in love with you. Nothing and no one can change that!"


    After that, Shelly sharply nced at Amelia.


    ''Please don''t agree to stay for lunch...'' Amelia prayed, her hands clenched.

 Chapter 14 Keep Looking At Her

    Chapter 14 Keep Looking At Her


    Amelia didn''t care about the fact that Shelly was acting like a spoiled child in front of Lucian and


    dering war against her. She just didn''t want to be here anymore. Not only did she not know what to


    do but she also had to still act for Lucian.


    Amelia had assumed that they really wouldn''t need to do anything. What she didn''t expect was for


    Lucian''s mother to mock them.


    "Shelly, it seems my mother is happy to see you. Why don''t you stay and have lunch with her? Amelia


    and I can leave." Lucian shook off Shelly''s hand that was gripping his arm and grabbed Amelia''s much


    to Shelly''s embarrassment.


    Amelia was appeased upon hearing Lucian''s answer.


    Fannie was seething. She grew even angrier at Amelia when Lucian said that he wasn''t staying for


    lunch. She shot Amelia a sharp nce. She hated that woman so much she could tear her into pieces.


    The minute they stepped out of the Zhan mansion, Amelia let out a big sigh of relief. Amelia was still


    trembling by the time they got into the car.


    "Were you scared?" Lucian asked, ncing at her.


    Since they were alone, Amelia figured she didn''t need to act anymore. She turned her head to look out


    the window, trying to calm herself down.


    Jasper came from a broken family. His parents had gotten a divorce when he was still young. He lived


    with his mother his whole life. When they''d been dating for two years, he took Amelia home to meet his


    mother. Naturally, Amelia was nervous at first. She knew that meeting her boyfriend''s parents was a big


    deal. This was her first time doing something like this so she was at a loss. A month before she was


    scheduled to meet Jasper''s mom, she already began freaking out. Jasper merelyughed at her and


    teased her. He said, "Even if you were ugly, I''d still take you to meet my mom."


    As she thought of this, tears welled up in her eyes.


    When she finally met Jasper''s mother, she realized that there was nothing to worry about after all.


    Jasper''s mother was easy to get along with. She loved Amelia like she was her own daughter.


    She couldn''t help but look back at those lovely memories especially after how Fannie had mistreated


    her.


    After a while, Amelia started to feel dizzy. She remembered that she hadn''t had breakfast yet and the


    moving car was making her head spin. She adjusted her body so that she was looking out the window.


    She let the cold wind blow on her face so she could take her mind off her dizziness.


    "What''s going on?" Lucian asked in concern when he noticed Amelia clutching her stomach. He


    immediately pulled over. "Are you ufortable?"


    Amelia gritted her teeth and said in a small voice, "I think I need some fresh air."


    "All right. We can step out for a bit." After that, Lucian got off the car and opened the door for Amelia.


    He looked around and found a restaurant nearby. "I''m sorry. Ipletely forgot that you haven''t had


    breakfast yet. We can go and have some porridge first. It might help with your stomachache."


    Amelia''s stomach was empty and the moving car had triggered her to feel sick. She felt like she was


    going to vomit but when she tried to retch, nothing came out. Her eyes were already wet from trying to


    vomit something out.


    As Lucian looked at Amelia''s pale face, he couldn''t help but scold himself. He felt guilty as he thought


    that this was all his fault.


    "Let me help you." Lucian seemed patient and the tone of his voice was warm.


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Amelia shook off his hand and said, "No, I can do it myself."


    She wiped the tears off the corners of her eyes to make herself feel better.


    She wasn''t able to refuse the food since she was starving. As soon as the steaming bowl of corn


    porridge arrived on their table, she began scarfing it down. It was a bit too hot but she felt her


    stomachache subsiding after.


    "So? Were you just carsick?" Lucian asked tentatively when she''d finished eating. He handed her a


    ss of warm water too.


    Her eyes were still wet and she looked delicate. For some reason, Lucian always assumed that Amelia


    was feeling lonely whenever she grew quiet.


    "Thank you," Amelia muttered as she averted her gaze.


    Lucian was only cold to her that morning because he was afraid that they were getting too close. He


    wanted to keep the distance between them. However, he suddenly found himself regretting that he''d


    treated her that way earlier.


    "Are you feeling better now? Do you want to go to the hospital?" Lucian frowned, a look of concern on


    his face.


    Amelia found herself in a daze. She felt like she was in a dream. Lucian was so cold to her just this


    morning and suddenly, he was acting concerned toward her.


    She wasn''t going to let herself be yed hot and cold like that.


    While she knew that they were just pretending to be together and that she shouldn''t even care in the


    first ce, she still had feelings and she didn''t like being yed like that.


    "Mr. Lucian, I want to be alone for a while." Amelia didn''t even want to be in the same car as him right


    now.


    "I have a conference call this afternoon. Let me at least drive you home first." Lucian didn''t notice the


    strange look Amelia had on her face. Instead, he just focused on driving.


    Amelia turned toward him and said coolly, "No. I meant I want to get off so I can just walk home."


    Lucian pulled the car over, his face unreadable.


    "Amelia, you need to rest." His tone was cold and firm as if he wasn''t leaving it up to discussion.


    Amelia remained calm despite the tone in Lucian''s voice. She merely said, "I thought we weren''t going


    to interfere with each other''s lives as long as we put up the act in front of others."


    "But you''re sick. I''m still your husband on paper and that means I should still look after you," Lucian


    said inly.


    Amelia suddenly felt weak.


    "Lucian, you can stop pretending now..." Amelia said with much difficulty as she looked at him.


    With that, Lucian started the car ignoring Amelia''s request. He drove the car back to the SJ Garden.


    The drive from Lucian''s parents'' house to the SJ Garden normally took about half an hour. However,


    since Amelia was experiencing some motion sickness, he slowed down his driving speed. It took them


    about an hour to get home.


    Lucian was relieved when he found that Amelia had fallen asleep on the car ride home.


    Lucian gently lifted Amelia out of the passenger seat. For a while, he just stood there, watching her


    sleep peacefully. He couldn''t help but recall the first time they met in the bar. She was so drunk then


    and heartbroken that she was howling in his arms. She was as light as a piece of paper now as she


    was back then.


    Amelia felt a warmthe over her face which was refreshing in contrast to the cold, biting weather. In


    response, she unconsciously muttered, "Mm, cozy."


    Amelia buried her face against Lucian''s chest. They were so close to each other. Lucian''s heart was


    beating so fast. They were so intimate right now.


    He couldn''t believe that he was this close to a woman and he wasn''t even disgusted.


    Lucian frowned. He wanted to wake her up but decided against it after giving it some thought. They did


    have quite a morning after all.


    Lucian then brought Amelia to their bedroom and gently ced her on the bed all the while ignoring the


    hurricane of emotions he was feeling in his heart. He ced a hand on Amelia''s forehead and was


    relieved to find that she wasn''t running a fever.


    However, he still couldn''t help but feel strange about the fact that he was worrying about her.


    Lucian stood by the bed and looked at Amelia quietly. She looked like a porcin doll sleeping as if the


    slightest touch could break her. Her fair skin was irresistible. He wondered what it was like to caress


    her skin with his hands because it looked so soft.


    He''d never really seen her until now. Amelia had never been one to dress oundishly. She didn''t like


    standing out instead she dressed to blend in the crowd. As Lucian gazed at Amelia, he realized that


    she had kind of a delicate beauty. She wasn''t the type to attract attention because her beauty was


    subtle.


    If his phone hadn''t started ringing, he didn''t know how long he would have stood there just staring at


    her.


    ''I''m probably just feeling guilty about this morning, that''s why I''m staring at her...'' Lucian thought to


    himself, smiling bitterly.

 Chapter 15 Flipped With Love

    Chapter 15 Flipped With Love


    By the time Amelia woke up, it was already afternoon.


    She didn''t know if it was just her long nap or if it was the porridge she had that noon but she felt so frail


    and weak. She looked around and quickly realized that she had been sleeping in Lucian''s room. She


    got out of bed right away and didn''te out until she was sure that Lucian wasn''t there.


    "Are you awake, Mrs. Amelia?" a kind voice suddenly asked making the already sweating Amelia jump


    back.


    The girl was around 17 or 18 years old. Amelia didn''t like how she was referred to, still she just nodded


    politely.


    "Who are you?" She knew that Lucian lived here alone. Even Darren only dropped by every now and


    then.


    "My name is Lily Gu. I''m 18. Mr. Lucian asked me to take care of you," Lily said with a sweet smile.


    Then she added, "Wow, you''re so beautiful!"


    Really? She was pale and her hair was a mess so she really didn''t know how honest Lily was being.


    "I... Call me Amelia." She really didn''t like being called Mrs. Amelia.


    "Unfortunately, I can''t do that. We''re servants of the Zhan family and we have to follow the rules of the


    Zhan family. I have to call you Mrs. Amelia." With a serious look on her face, Lily said nervously, "Mrs.


    Amelia, before Mr. Lucian left which was just a while ago, he asked me to cook you some chicken


    soup. He said that I have to watch you eat to make sure that you finish it."


    Her voice trailed off in the end.


    Wow, Lucian was a really good actor. It seemed as if he was genuinely worried about her that he had to


    hire another person to specifically look after her.


    But she was indeed feeling a little hungry and Lily had already cooked chicken soup... So why not?


    When she''d finished eating, she waspletely satisfied. She then nced at her watch and


    wondered why Lucian wasn''t home yet. She stopped herself right away and she had to remind herself


    that she shouldn''t care anyway.


    Amelia rubbed her forehead to console herself. She could tell something was wrong with her because


    she just couldn''t stop thinking about Lucian!


    Lily meanwhile did a lot of other housework. Amelia had never had someone else take care of her so


    she didn''t really know what to do. She then recalled what Fannie said and reminded herself that she


    shouldn''t get used to this type of treatment.


    Amelia didn''t n to take a penny of the Zhan family so she thought she shouldn''t be treated like this.


    She then decided to just wait for Lucian toe home so she could talk about it with him.


    Amelia spent her evening watching TV. Around ten, she saw that Lily had been standing next to her.


    She asked her to sit next to her but Lily declined. She didn''t know what to do since she couldn''t tell her


    to go to bed early because Lucian wasn''t home yet.


    "I need to talk to Lucian so you can go rest now. If he''s still hungry, I can cook something up for him,"


    Amelia said.


    "Wow! Mrs. Amelia, that''s so generous of you!" There was a glimmer of joy in Lily''s eyes. She decided


    that she liked Amelia. "Before I came here, I thought you''d be mean. I didn''t expect you to be so nice!


    I''m so lucky!"


    Amelia never really knew how to takepliments. Unsure how to respond, she just shed her an


    awkward smile.


    After Lily went to bed, she was left alone in the living room. Only the noiseing from the TV could


    be heard.


    "Slow down, Mr. Lucian." By the time it was midnight, Amelia had already dozed off. She was


    immediately awoken by the sound of the door jingling. She stood up only to find Eric, Lucian''s


    assistant, trying to hold Lucian up.


    Amelia hurried over and the first thing she noticed was the heavy smell of wine. She looked at Lucian.


    His eyes were closed and he was obviously drunk as he couldn''t even hold himself up.


    "Mrs. Amelia, Mr. Lucian drank too much tonight so I took him home myself," Eric exined as they


    helped Lucian get to his bedroom.


    "Thank you," Amelia replied politely.


    "You''re wee, Mrs. Amelia. Here''s my phone number. Feel free to call me if you need anything."


    Eric handed Amelia his business card and added, "Mr. Lucian seemed to have something on his mind


    tonight. He usually isn''t like this. This is the first time I''ve seen him drunk. Thank you for taking care of


    him, Mrs. Amelia."


    "Okay," Amelia muttered as she nced at the drunk Lucian who was lying in the bed.


    After Eric left, the room fell into silence again.


    The stench of alcohol was lingering in the room. Amelia decided to get some honey water for Lucian.


    She had to nudge him carefully to wake him up. She said in a low voice, "Get up. Drink this honey


    water before you sleep."


    However, Lucian didn''t move.


    Amelia ced the ss on the nightstand. She got up to get a warm towel to wash his face with but


    just as she turned, she suddenly heard a retching sound coupled with an awful smell.


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Amelia turned only to find Lucian on the edge of the bed with some vomit dripping around his lips.


    She frowned but still helped Lucian lie down properly on the bed. She then headed to the bathroom to


    fetch a basin of hot water to clean him up.


    When she''d cleaned everything up, she feared that Lucian would vomit again so she grabbed a small


    stool and sat by the bed to watch over him.


    Luckily, she had a big nap that afternoon or else she''d be asleep by now.


    The rest of the night was uneventful. Lucian didn''t vomit anymore and he slept through the night.


    Amelia''s head was aching. She stretched out her body and fell asleep on the edge of the bed.


    Suddenly, Lucian jolted awake. He slowly opened his eyes and was relieved to find that he was in his


    own room. He paused as he scanned the room. ''What is she doing here?'' he wondered to himself.


    He knew that he had drunk a lot and the alcohol he was drinking was pretty strong. However, he


    couldn''t remember anything after Eric had driven him back.


    ''Did Amelia sleep here? Was she looking after me as I slept?''


    Lucian suddenly felt his heart beating a mile a minute and it took a while before he was able to calm


    himself down.


    "Come on, let''s get you to the bed." Lucian got up and intended to pick up Amelia and ce her on the


    bed.


    Amelia was in a daze. While she did hear a voice, she was too tired to realize what was happening.


    She just opened her eyes and stood up as asked and immediately fell on the bed without even looking


    to see who the person was.


    Lucian was leaning over Amelia in a rather intimate position.


    Amelia bit her lips hard and her skin was as white as milk.


    She was so fair... Her lips were red like strawberries. As Lucian gazed at it, he felt his heart skip a bit.


    He could feel a tingle run through his body as he leaned over Amelia. He snapped back to his senses


    when he heard a knock on the door.


    Lucian tucked Amelia in and went to open the door.


    It was Lily who had already prepared breakfast. She said in a respectful tone, "Mr. Lucian, Mrs. Amelia


    was waiting up for youst night. I cooked porridge for your breakfast."


    "How long did she wait for me?" Lucian asked as he looked at Amelia in surprise.


    "Quite a while. She''s so kind. She was worried about me asking if I was tired and offered to help me.


    She also asked me to go to bed early while she waited up for you. I went to bed earlyst night so she


    was alone in the living room as she waited for you," Lily said kindly, she was speaking so highly of


    Amelia which said a lot about Amelia''s character.


    "All right. I''ll take the breakfast." After he took the tray, he said, "Please cook some soup. I''ll call you


    when Amelia wakes up."


    "Okay." Lily then added, "Mr. Lucian, Mrs. Amelia seems like a great match for you. You''re young and


    hardworking and Mrs. Amelia is just so considerate. You guys are the perfect couple!"


    "You can go back to work now." Lucian''s face was unreadable but his heart was restless.


    While he knew that Lily only meant well with what she said, he didn''t know what to make of it.


    He put the breakfast on the table and walked to the bed, staring at Amelia thoughtfully.


    When Amelia woke up, Lucian was sitting on the sofa, sorting through some documents. He nced at


    Amelia, who was looking at him in confusion, and a smile appeared on his face. However, it was gone


    as soon as it came as if he''d realized that he was smiling and he didn''t like that.


    Amelia looked out of the window and realized that she had slept in Lucian''s bed. She jumped up and


    ran toward him. Upon seeing Lucian, she retreated a few steps. "What are you doing here?" she asked


    in a panic.


    This wasn''t her bed so Amelia wondered why she had slept on his bed.


    Amelia looked down to check her clothes and skim the room. She was relieved to find that Lucian''s


    coat was still on the leather chair where she had ced it the previous night as well as the sweater that


    went along with it. Still, she felt nervous as she nced at Lucian. She was always suspicious of


    Lucian especially that he was drunkst night. So why did she sleep on his bed?


    After a while, she heard Lucian''s faint voice. "Are you awake? You hungry? Lily made some chicken


    soup for you. Eat."


    She felt like the words just went her other ear. She remained silent for a while, staring at Lucian and


    seemingly in a daze. She managed to choke out, "I... I''m leaving now."


    Lucian noticed how frozen she was in her spot and how nervous she was probably by his cold


    demeanor. He shifted his tone to a softer one as he spoke, "Lily told me that you waited up for mest


    night."


    Amelia did wait up for him but it''s not like that meant anything significant.

 Chapter 16 How Narcissistic You Are

    Chapter 16 How Narcissistic You Are


    Amelia neither confirmed nor denied it. As she thought of how much time she''d been spending in the


    SJ Garden, she realized how isted she''s been. Even Courtney wasining that she only ever


    spent time with Lucian nowadays. She also realized that she was just a fake wife so she deserved her


    own living space too. It''s not like they were actually married.


    "Mr. Lucian, can I ask you a favor?" Amelia asked seriously after some hesitation.


    Lucian raised his eyes, looked at Amelia calmly and asked, "What''s up?"


    His voice was cold and emotionless.


    As she gazed back at him, she took a deep breath before speaking. "I think we should set a deadline


    for our deal."


    If they continued to live like this, she wouldn''t have neither a future nor freedom.


    Hearing that, Lucian''s eyes turned dark all of a sudden. In a cold tone, he asked, "Miss Amelia, are you


    no longer heartbroken?"


    Heartbroken? Amelia was confused upon hearing this. She didn''t know what Lucian meant.


    At first, Amelia only agreed to Lucian to distract her from her heartbreak. But now, since Jasper had


    married Ynda, Amelia was too upset and heartbroken to be distracted by anything.


    "Mr. Lucian, I don''t know why you asked me to pretend to be married to you in the first ce. If you just


    wanted to get your parents off your back then we don''t need to pretend anymore. I''ve already met them


    and they didn''t like me but they did say that they weren''t going to interfere with your life anymore."


    Amelia didn''t know where she found the courage to say all of that but she was relieved that she was


    finally able to speak her mind. They had made so many mistake already and if they continued like this,


    who knew what''s going to happen?


    "Amelia, do you think you can go back on your word so easily?" Lucian dropped what he was doing


    and walked toward Amelia, casting her a cold nce. He said rather harshly, "While it''s true that our


    marriage is a fake, can''t you think about your dad who''s sick? Can you imagine what it would be like for


    him if he found out that we were only faking our marriage?"


    Amelia looked up, uncertain how to respond.


    The fact that this might affect her family never entered her mind. She thought she could just end it as


    soon as they could like he promised.


    "You''ve made your status in the Mo family very clear. If you strip yourself of the Zhan name, where


    would that leave you?" Lucian''s cold words hit Amelia like a truck.


    "Lucian, you really are strange, aren''t you? We don''t have an emotional connection. Why did you ask


    me to marry you in the first ce? This is just going to hurt the both of us!" If he wanted a marriage so


    much, why didn''t he find someone he loved so that he didn''t need have to do something like this again?


    Lucian frowned and his eyes seemed to be gleaming in pain. He was able to recover and return to his


    usual cold demeanor though.


    "Your father had a heart attack and lucky for you, I found the best cardiologist to treat him. So you have


    no choice but to keep the Zhan name. Until then, you''re not allowed to talk about ending this deal


    unless I bring it up first," Lucian spoke in a way that left no room for argument. After he spoke, he


    turned and left leaving Amelia standing there alone.


    Vernon''s health had only been getting worse no matter how many medicines he took. She wanted the


    best treatment money could buy for her father so she had no choice but to oblige to Lucian''s wishes.


    Even though she once resented Vernon for how he treated her, she was still able to find it in her heart


    to forgive him especially after he got sick.


    If Lucian could help her father then Amelia would dly keep up the act for their fake marriage.


    When Amelia went downstairs, Lucian was just about to leave. However, when he saw hering


    down, he raised his eyebrows and asked, "Have you decided yet? Are you going to stop now?"


    He sounded spiteful as he spoke.


    "As long as you keep your word." Amelia was ring at Lucian.


    Lucian couldn''t help but let out a chuckle as he looked at Amelia''s angry face. "You look like you just


    signed your death certificate," he teased.


    What''s the difference? Amelia was starting to think that Lucian''s only purpose in life was to annoy her.


    Still, this was her fault. If she hadn''t agreed in the first ce then she wouldn''t be in this situation right


    now.


    Amelia just pretended to ignore the fact that Lucian was making fun of her. When she smelled the food,


    she suddenly realized how hungry she really was. Amelia looked at Lucien and said crossly, "I stayed


    up all nightst night. I''m hungry now and I''m not really in the mood to fight with you anymore."


    "That''s right. You can get your energy back when you''re full so you can get mad at me again." Lucian


    silently nodded, smiling to himself.


    "Mrs. Amelia, I''ve cooked you some chicken soup as requested by Mr. Lucian. Please help yourself."


    Lily filled up a bowl of soup for her.


    Amelia blushed and insisted that she could serve herself then she looked up at Lucian and thought to


    herself, ''He''s so weird.''


    Sometimes he was sweet but sometimes he would ignore her. Amelia didn''t know which was the real


    him.


    "It''s still pretty early. If you have nothing to do, you can go out with your friends and I can pick you up


    around dinner time," Lucian said while they were eating their lunch.


    Amelia was taken aback upon hearing this. She put down her chopsticks and asked, "Is there anything


    you need me to do for you?"


    Lucian sneered as he said coldly, "Stop assuming I''m up to something."


    "Mr. Lucian, you''re a businessman. Aren''t you wired that way?" Their marriage was a deal after all.


    They needed to discuss everything before they could agree on something.


    "You''re a clever woman, aren''t you?" Smiling knowingly, Lucian eyed Amelia and said, "Make sure you


    get up early tomorrow. You have a job at the Zhan Group. You''re going to be the assistant of the CEO."


    "What?!" Amelia stood up in disbelief. She looked at Lucian and said reluctantly, "I''m not going to


    spend any of your money but I don''t want to work in the Zhan Group either."


    Lily was startled at the sudden movement. She said in a small voice, "Mrs. Amelia, don''t get mad at Mr.


    Lucian. I bet he just wants the best for you."


    Lily''s voice was so small and gentle.


    Embarrassed, Amelia said to Lily, "Sorry. I didn''t mean to scare you."


    Amelia wasn''t able to control herself as it had slipped her mind that Lily was still standing next to her.


    "Lily, you''ve spoken your mind quite a bit this morning." Lucian stood up and straightened the bowl that


    Amelia knocked out. Then he whispered to Amelia, "Mrs. Amelia, there are other people here. Please


    behave yourself and act how you should act."


    "You!" Amelia was too angry toe up with a retort. She initially nned to fight back but when she


    saw that Lily was gazing back at her curiously, she had to restrain her anger. She put on a nice smile


    and said, "Can I really go out with my friends? I''m going to leave now!"


    Although she said it with a smile, there wasn''t much enthusiasm in her tone.


    Lucian went along with her skit. He answered thoughtfully, "I can ask Frank to drive you."


    "Who?" Amelia was surprised but she let it go and said boldly, "I can take a taxi. I don''t need someone


    to drive me."


    She really didn''t want to receive any more special treatment. The amount she was getting was already


    way too much for her.


    "Frank is my driver. I hired him to do that job. Do you want him to lose his job because there''s no use


    for his job anyway?" he said in a calm voice.


    Amelia didn''t want Frank to lose his job and the only way that wasn''t going to happen was if she agreed


    to let Frank drive her.


    She really didn''t want to be the cause of problems or stress to anyone else so she had no choice but to


    give in.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    "Lucian, can you stop showing off your wealth? You''re a CEO! Of course, you have a driver. But I''m


    not. People like me don''t need drivers. We don''t need it," she said matter-of-factly, ncing at Lucian.


    "All right. You can take a taxi but I''ll pick you up after," Lucianpromised.


    Amelia didn''t expect that it would work. She beamed in response.


    When Lucian saw her smile, he shook his head helplessly. He picked up his briefcase, ready to leave.


    ncing at Amelia, he offered, "I''m leaving. I can drop you off at the taxi stand."


    Amelia nodded and followed Lucian as he went out.


    ''He''s so tall.'' Lucian was only about a step ahead of Amelia yet she had to jog a bit just to catch up with


    him.


    "Ah!" Amelia was walking with her head down so she identally bumped into something.


    "Give me your phone. I''ll save my number." It suddenly urred to Lucian that he didn''t have her


    number. He turned to ask for her phone but saw that she had been walking with her head down.


    "If you tell anyone, they''re just going to make fun of me!" Amelia said in spit as she handed Lucian her


    phone.


    "Mrs. Lucian, are you saying that we should act more like husband and wife?" Suddenly, Lucian


    reached out his hand and put his arm around Amelia''s waist, his eyes gleaming. Amelia grew nervous


    with how intimate they were right now. She was scared of what was going to happen next.


    "What... Let go of me first... " Amelia couldn''t even speak clearly. She didn''t want to push Lucian away


    so she just buried her head in his arms.


    Lucian let her go and said yfully when he saw that she was blushing, "What? Am I too handsome for


    you?"


    "You''re so full of yourself!" Amelia rolled her eyes at him, walked past him and got in the car.


    "Whatever. Just take me to the taxi stand." She was worried that Lucian wouldn''t keep his promise.


    She didn''t want Courtneying up with ideas if she saw her get off an expensive car. That would just


    probably make things worse. Courtney might think she''s showing off!


    "Here we are, Mrs. Amelia." Lucian kept his promise and dropped her off at the taxi stand. Before she


    got off the car, he took her by the wrist and reminded her, "Remember to call me before you go home


    later in the evening. If you don''te home, you''ll be all over the news tomorrow morning."


    He was obviously threatening her.


    Amelia didn''t want to argue with him. She bit her lower lip and nodded meekly.

 Chapter 17 Friendship

    Chapter 17 Friendship


    "Mrs. Amelia, have a good time!" A proud smile appeared on Lucian''s face. He turned the steering


    wheel and drove off.


    After Lucian left, Amelia heaved a sigh of relief. When she was waiting for the car, she heard people


    talking.


    "That woman''s such a weirdo. I don''t know what she''s doing just screaming out here in the streets!" a


    passerbymented snidely.


    "That man is trash! He had an affair while his wife was pregnant. Can you imagine..." another passerby


    said, shaking his head as he spoke.


    "The woman''s probably pregnant and the man doesn''t want to marry her," another chimed in.


    "You''re right. Men nowadays just want to have fun. But the minute the responsibilitiese rolling in,


    they''re gone!" The other nodded in agreement.


    "..."


    While they were talking about shotgun marriages, Amelia couldn''t help but be reminded of Jasper and


    Ynda. But how could Jasper have done that to Ynda?


    It was like they were dealing with one problem after another. Jasper only betrayed Amelia because he


    knew how much she trusted him. Meanwhile, Ynda wasn''t really the type of person to take anyone''s


    shit. She''d fight tooth and nail for what she wanted. Naturally, she''d be resentful toward any other


    women Jasper used to be involved with.


    "What''s even more unbelievable is that the man used to date that woman''s younger sister first then for


    some reason, they broke up and the man ended up with that crazy woman..."


    Amelia was only able to catch thest few things the woman had said as she was too absent-minded.


    She looked over in astonishment and wondered to herself, ''This is such a weird coincidence! Are they


    talking about Jasper and Ynda?''


    "Yeah, that woman''s crazy. Did you see how scared the man was of her?"


    All signs were pointing to Ynda. It seemed as if they were really talking about her.


    Amelia didn''t mean to overhear any of this. After all, it''s not like she still had anything to do with them.


    She just thought how unfortunate her luck was for her to have to know someone like Ynda.


    Her heart sank as she thought of how Jasper had cheated on her again.


    She was 25 years old when she thought she''d finally had things figured out. Things were falling into


    ce and she was happy for the first time in her life until Jasper destroyed everything.


    When she arrived at the ce where Courtney worked, she took a deep breath to prepare herself for


    all the taunting.


    "Courtney, I''d like to order one mango milk tea please," Amelia called as soon as she came into the


    store.


    Upon hearing the voice of Amelia, Courtney turned around with delight. She however pursed her lips


    and said yfully, "Amelia, what''s up? Looks like my little store is going to be popr very soon! I''m


    going to be rich!"


    Amelia smiled to herself and said, "Oh I have no doubt! Do you think you can handle it though?"


    "Hmf!" Courtney murmured, rolling her eyes at Amelia.


    Amelia found a ce to sit down and then said aggrievedly, "I don''t have to get the mango milk tea but


    I''d like a ss of water please."


    Courtney red at her and proceeded to make her an order of mango milk tea.


    "You didn''t tell me you wereing. If you''d brought your rich husband, I would have been so


    embarrassed!" Courtney looked outside to check if a fancy car was parked outside. She was relieved to


    find it empty. Still, she had to tease Amelia.


    "We''re two different people you know. I''m still the same person you know. I''m not changing. If you don''t


    want to be my friend then fine!" Amelia said seriously before she began to drink her mango milk tea.


    "Amelia, when did you be so shameless?" Courtney said rudely. She stood up and grabbed a


    newspaper. She pointed at a photo on the paper and said angrily, "Look! Look how many rumored


    girlfriends Lucian has!"


    Amelia turned her attention to the newspaper that Courtney was holding. It was a photo of Lucian


    surrounded by beautiful and famous women. She''d never seen this photo before but she remained


    calm. She said simply, "Well, like you said, they''re just rumors."


    After all, her marriage with Lucian was just a deal. She didn''t need to be jealous.


    "Amelia, you''re being blinded by love again!" Amelia was acting so nonchnt and so unaffected.


    Courtney wasn''t letting it go. She pointed a finger at Lucian''s face on the paper and said rather


    passionately, "He dates a new woman every week! If that''s fine for you then go ahead but Amelia,


    Lucian isn''t Jasper. There are much bigger consequences to being cheated on by someone like


    Lucian."


    Courtney was just worried that if Lucian dumped Amelia, Amelia would never find another man to look


    at her.


    "Don''t worry about me, Courtney. I know what I''m doing it." While she was grateful that Courtney was


    concerned about her, it''s not like she could do something about it. She''d already agreed to be in a fake


    marriage with Lucian and until Lucian decided it was over, she was helpless. Besides being a little


    bossy, Lucian was good to her. He didn''t hurt her or anything like that. As she thought of this, she


    couldn''t help but smile and blurt out, "You know I only came to see you because he asked me to. He


    just didn''t want me to get bored at home."


    Amelia knew that there was a chance that what she said wouldn''t sit well with Courtney. However, she


    knew that she had to say something to defend Lucian to at least get Courtney off her back.


    "Oh, Mrs. Amelia, are you truly happy?" Courtney said disdainfully, pursing her lips.


    Amelia smiled and pouted as if she was a spoiled child. "All right, all right. I know you''re just worried


    about me since you''re my best friend but you don''t really have to, I''m fine," she said.


    "Well, if I wasn''tte that night then maybe..." Courtney said in a guilty tone, eyebrows knitted together.


    "It''s not your fault! This has nothing to do with you. Besides, Lucian is good to me. He didn''t hurt me..."


    Amelia said, her voice trailing off.


    "You mean... He didn''t take advantage of you?" Courtney said in disbelief.


    "Courtney, what were you thinking?" Amelia finally understood why Courtney was so hostile to Lucian.


    No wonder she was so concerned about Amelia.


    Courtney still seemed to be in disbelief. She asked, "Why did you agree to marry him if he didn''t do


    anything to you? Don''t tell it was love at first sight! Or did you marry him for his wealth and power?"


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Courtney''s words hit her hard. They''d known each other since middle school. That was more than ten


    years of friendship. If anyone knew her, it was Courtney.


    "I..." Amelia stuttered. She didn''t know how to answer.


    "Are you using Lucian to get over Jasper?" Courtney guessed hesitantly, gazing back at Amelia who


    was already flushing in embarrassment.


    Besides the photos that Lucian had of her, it was true that she agreed to the deal because she wanted


    to move on from Jasper and forget the hurt that he had caused her.


    Amelia had no choice but to nod her head in response to Courtney''s question.


    "Oh please!" Courtney was visibly irritated. She raised her voice, "Jasper''s a bastard! I can''t imagine


    how he stands Ynda!"


    "Enough, Courtney. Ynda''s already married to Jasper with a child on the way. We should just let


    them be. We know their marriage is going to be a loveless one. You should congratte me for


    escaping that," Amelia said simply, shing an easy smile.


    Courtney stared at Amelia for a while before asking carefully, "What about Lucian? Is Lucian your true


    love?"


    That was a sharp question.


    Amelia opened her mouth wide and answered, "Well, we''ll see."


    She thought this answer would finally shut Courtney up but to her surprise, Courtney gritted her teeth


    and said angrily, "When are you ever going to be more careful? After getting mistreated by your


    stepmother and being cheated on by Jasper, you should be smarter than this! Haven''t you learned


    anything? Don''t youe crying to me about Lucian!"


    It was reasonable for Courtney to worry about her. She had witnessed how Amelia was treated by the


    Mo family over the years and sometimes, she''d even defend her.


    But Amelia was tired of crying because she didn''t want to get hurt by anyone anymore. So when she


    found out about Ynda and Jasper, she was definitely hurt but she was quickly able to get over it.


    Even to her, that was a surprise.


    "By the way, how are things going between you and Kent?" Kent was a ssmate of theirs back in


    junior high. When they graduated, Kent began pursuing Courtney and they did get along quite well.


    Kent was a good match to Courtney''s tendency to go wayward.


    "What about it?" Courtney mumbled mindlessly. She really didn''t like talking about Kent.


    Looking at her face, Amelia asked in concern, "Don''t tell me you broke up with him."


    "What the hell are you talking about?" Courtney said defensively then she continued to exin, "We''re


    fine but we''ve been fighting a lottely. The night you asked me out to drink, I was in a bad mood. I was


    going to wait for you in the bar after hanging up the phone but I didn''t expect that Kent would show


    up..."


    "Did you two have a fight?" It wasn''t like them to fight like that. Courtney would start a fight and by the


    end of the day, Kent would apologize to Courtney. It had been almost a week since that night at the bar.


    Amelia trembled at the thought of this. She and Lucian had gotten married within a week of meeting


    each other.


    "If we could fight, that would be way better!" Courtney sighed as she continued, "It''s all my father''s


    fault. He doesn''t approve of my rtionship with Kent. He says Kent doesn''te from a rich family


    and if I end up with him, I''m just going to have a hard life. He also said that if I married Kent, he would


    ban me from evering home..."


    Tears began to well up in her eyes.


    Amelia sighed to herself upon hearing this.

 Chapter 18 A Strange Atmosphere

    Chapter 18 A Strange Atmosphere


    Since they were in middle school, Amelia knew that Courtney was a good-looking girl who came from a


    rich family. When they were studying in university, Courtney had many suitors. Eventually, she ended


    up with Kent. Unfortunately, no matter how much she thought that Kent was the right one for her, her


    father did not approve. Because of this, Courtney and Kent hade a long way to fight for their love.


    "If you have to choose between your father and your boyfriend, who would it be?" Amelia sighed and


    continued, "As long as you and Kent love each other, there''s nothing anyone can do. What''s more, no


    one cares about family background now. If Kent gets a better job, he''ll be able to get to your level and


    I''m sure your father would approve of him by then."


    "Oh Amelia, that''s what I was thinking! Sometimes I think you''re really my long lost sister." Courtney


    nodded her head approvingly. Her sad face instantly brightened up.


    "Don''t put too much pressure on Kent. Try to understand him. Try to persuade your father calmly. After


    all, your father has done a lot of things for you." Amelia was at the same age with Courtney, their


    birthdays just a month apart. Generally speaking, Courtney was elder, but sometimes, when Courtney


    behaved willfully, she seemed more wayward than Amelia.


    But she knew that although Courtney was a little impetuous, she was very kind to her.


    "Well, speaking of the devil..." Courtney said as she pointed to someone behind Amelia. Then, she


    waved with big, bright smile that would put a blooming sunflower to shame.


    Amelia turned around and saw Kent in a suit walking towards them with a smile of his own. He seemed


    to have some good news to share.


    "Wow, Kent. I haven''t seen you for only a few days and you look like apletely different person!"


    Amelia eximed. Kent looked mature and sharp in his suit and leather shoes, like a shiny new penny.


    "That''s true, I guess. Whereas you have apletely new identity," Kent said jokingly with a wink.


    Amelia''s face suddenly flushed, but she just shrugged it off. She looked up and down at Kent as she


    rubbed her chin in thought. "So what''s with the suit? Are you going to propose to Courtney?" Amelia


    quipped.


    "I''ll propose when the time''s right. In the meantime, the top priority is to pacify our wavering hearts as


    soon as possible," Kent chuckled. Then, he walked over to Courtney, his eyes filled with love and


    sincerity. "Courtney, I know that you have suffered a lot because you''re with me. Today I went to the


    Zhan Group for an interview as their sales director. I thought it was a long shot, but... I actually passed!


    I got the job, Courtney!" Kent was beaming from ear to ear as he held Courtney''s hands in his, "From


    now on, our life will get better."


    ''The Zhan Group? Did I hear that right?


    Does he mean Lucian''spany?'' Amelia thought.


    Just then, Courtney asked the question in Amelia''s head, "You mean Lucian''spany?"


    "Yes," Kent said in an affirmative tone.


    Amelia was surprised. Although she was happy for Kent, she also felt panic inside.


    "I am now an employee of yourpany. Hope to get on well with you," Kent turned around and said


    to Amelia in a formal tone.


    Amelia smiled awkwardly.


    "From what I know, the Zhan Group''s standards are incredibly high! Those who work there are highly


    capable people. How exciting, my darling! I''ll treat you to a nice, big meal tonight!" Courtney was very


    excited as she held on tightly to Kent''s hands. It was as if she was just told that she was the one who


    had gotten the job at Zhan Group.


    They kissed passionately as if no one else was around.


    At the sight of this scene, Amelia couldn''t help blushing. She coughed lightly to conceal her


    embarrassment. Then they separated.


    "Amelia, I heard from Courtney that that bastard Jasper was a scumbag. But seeing that you are so


    happy now, Courtney and I are relieved. We are happy for you!" Kent sat down and said with smile.


    Happiness... What they saw was only the surface.


    But she didn''t feel sad really. Lucian and she were both on good terms when they were together. How


    could she not be happy?


    It was time for dinner, and Courtney suggested they go out and eat at a restaurant that just opened


    downtown. Just before Amelia could reply, her cell phone rang.


    ''What does he want now?'' Amelia thought irritably as she saw Lucian''s name shing on the screen.


    "Who is it, Amelia?" Out of curiosity, Courtney ran to the Amelia. When she saw the words flickering on


    the screen, Courtney couldn''t help but tease her.


    Amelia''s face turned red. She wanted to ignore Lucian''s phone call, but then she remembered the


    words Lucian had said to her earlier. With a sigh, she pressed on the answer button.


    She didn''t want to be the headline of tomorrow''s newspapers just because of a call.


    Although she didn''t know Lucian that well yet, she was sure that he was a man of his word.


    "Did you have a good time, Mrs. Amelia?" Lucian said softly.


    There was a hint of banter in his low voice, which made Amelia frown unconsciously.


    "Yes, I was, in fact. But thanks to you, my good mood has been ruined!" Ameliained.


    "Since you are in a bad mood, let''s go home." It was hard to tell whether Lucian was angry or not from


    his indifferent voice.


    "I... I was actually nning to have dinner with some friends," Amelia said nervously.


    "Okay. Since they are your friends, they are also mine. Wait for me!" "No, Lucian¡ª!"


    But before she could say anything else, he had already hung up the phone. With an annoyed grunt,


    Amelia threw her phone back into her bag.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    "Amelia? What''s wrong?" Courtney came over and saw the frustration on Amelia''s face.


    "What on earth does the guy want to happen? I just can''t understand what''s going on in his head!"


    Amelia said in a furious tone, gritting her teeth in annoyance.


    Before Kent could open his mouth, a mellow male voice came from the small milk tea shop. "Amelia..."


    Amelia stood up and stared stiffly at Lucian. ''Well that was quick...'' she thought remorsefully.


    "Oh my god... Is that Lucian? He''s so handsome! It looks like he walked out of a painting!" Courtney


    eximed quietly behind Amelia, "Kent... Pinch me! Am I really seeing this right?"


    Amelia was not surprised at all that Courtney would get all flustered seeing Lucian. When Amelia first


    saw Lucian, she also thought that the man was painstakingly good-looking, like he was carved by the


    hands of God ¡ª handsome with an arrogant air, emanating with unparalleled dignity.


    But ever since Lucian took photos of her while she was drunk, Amelia had never seen him the same.


    As a result, her good impression of his appearance was greatly reduced, and she thought that he was


    just a vulgar man with pretty face.


    "Courtney, don''t you think it''s a bit inappropriate for you to drool over another man while you''re in front


    of me?" Kent looked at Lucian with a little jealousy. When Kent thought that he had to work in this


    man''spany, he was ovee with an unease.


    "Don''t be so narrow-minded. He''s already Amelia''s husband. All I''m saying is that he looks so


    handsome! I won''t have any improper thoughts, especially since I have you," Courtney smiled lovingly


    at Kent¡£ "Thanks, I guess," Kent mumbled to Courtney with a half-smile.


    "Hello." Lucian naturally reached out his hand and greeted Kent, who was standing behind Amelia.


    "Nice to meet you, Mr. Lucian." Kent felt ttered and shook hands with Lucian.


    "Oh my God! You are so polite! And so easy-going!" Courtney eximed, not hesitating to reach out


    her hand and introduce herself, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Lucian. My name is Courtney. I''m the best friend


    of Amelia so you are like my brother-inw. Of course, I will still treat you respectfully!"


    Just a while ago, Courtney was mad at Lucian when she saw the news report about him. But now she


    was all smiles, which made Amelia a little angry.


    ''And she''s even calling him brother-inw! What''s up with that!'' Amelia thought.


    Then she remembered Courtney called Jasper this before.


    Thinking of this, Amelia couldn''t help rolling her eyes at Courtney.


    "Hello," Lucian said lightly, then turned to look at Amelia with a raised eyebrow. "Are you unhappy to


    see me?" he asked with a smile.


    Amelia could tell that Lucian was trying to imply something else.


    Courtney and Kent smiled at each other in tacit agreement, and then turned their curious eyes to


    Amelia.


    With all their eyes staring expectantly at her, Amelia''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "W..why


    would I be unhappy?" she said with a forcedugh.


    "Mr. Lucian, my name is Kent Jiang. I just got a job at yourpany yesterday as the sales director. I


    hope to learn more from you in the future, sir," Kent said with an honorable smile.


    "Kent?" Lucian narrowed his eyes and thought for a while. Then he smiled and said, "Very well then.


    Wee to the Zhan Group."


    "Brother, thank you for taking care of my dear boyfriend here!" Courtney said with a cheeky grin.


    Upon hearing this, Amelia frowned. ''I never expected that Courtney would say something like that for


    the sake of her boyfriend''s career,'' she thought bitterly.


    "The Zhan Group always value people of excellence and ability," Lucian said seriously with a cold face.


    The lively atmosphere suddenly became cold and awkward, and the smile on Courtney''s face also


    gradually faded away, as if she was shocked by Lucian''s strong spirit which could not be ignored.


    "We were just about to go out to get something to eat," Amelia said to Lucian with a slight smile.


    "Of course," Lucian shrugged and put his arm over Amelia''s shoulders. "Would you maybe prefer to


    have dinner with us tonight?" he asked Kent and Courtney.


    "It''s... There''s no need. I just suddenly remembered that Kent and I still have something else to do! You


    go on and have dinner without us," Courtney exined with a smallugh, seeing the sour expression


    on Amelia''s face.


    "That''s a pity. Maybe next time, perhaps? See you until then," replied Lucian. Then he turned to look at


    Amelia. "Let''s go," he gently said


    Lucian''s sudden appearance destroyed the light and cheerful mood.


    ''That''s weird. Lucian started acting all weird when Kent introduced himself...'' Amelia thought.


    "Hey, let''s meet another day!" Amelia called out to Courtney before going out the door.


    "Alright! Bye, Amelia!" A dazzling smile appeared on Courtney''s face as she waved goodbye to Amelia,


    as if nothing had just happened.


    Maybe Courtney saw Lucian as someone who was perfect for Amelia ¡ª a guy who personally took her


    home and was ''easy-going''.

 Chapter 19 A Dinner Together

    Chapter 19 A Dinner Together


    "What would you like for dinner?" Lucian asked after Amelia got on the car.


    Amelia wanted to say something rude but after giving it a second thought, she decided against it. So


    she pointed her finger to a nearby hot pot restaurant and said, "Hot pot."


    Amelia had initially nned to have dinner with Courtney but obviously that didn''t happen because of


    Lucian. She chose hot pot for dinner so she could at least be happy even though she wasn''t having


    dinner with Courtney.


    Soon, Amelia was feeling better after psyching herself up.


    Lucian didn''t really like eating spicy food so when Amelia said that she wanted hot pot for dinner, a hint


    of disgust shed across his eyes. Still, he agreed.


    Lucian asked the waiter to arrange a private room for them but Amelia protested by saying, "There''s a


    table by the window. We can sit there."


    "What? Isn''t it embarrassing to sit outside?" he said, mildly angered. Although they were a bit early for


    dinner, the restaurant was still crowded. He didn''t like a noisy environment when he ate.


    "If you''re embarrassed then you can eat elsewhere. Either way I''m staying here for my hotpot and I''m


    going to take that table by the window," Amelia said bravely. She then turned to the waiter and said,


    "We''ll take that table by the window."


    The restaurant was so crowded that it was practically a miracle that a table by the window would be


    free. Amelia couldn''t understand what Lucian was griping about.


    Amelia had assumed that Lucian would just turn around and leave. To her surprise, he merely took her


    hand and led her to the table by the window.


    Amelia was stunned at first then she smiled triumphantly.


    She couldn''t believe that she was able to have her way with the usually arrogant Lucian.


    "Do you know why I came here, Amelia?" Lucian asked as soon as Amelia sat down.


    "Because it would be more embarrassing if you left?" Amelia guessed, putting on an evil grin.


    "You!" Lucian was obviously offended. He found that she was speaking up more and more recently. But


    there were so many people around so he retorted in a low voice, "I just let you win this time since


    you''reing to work for me starting tomorrow."


    As soon as Lucian finished speaking, the easygoing smile on Amelia''s face disappeared.


    The thought of going to work in the Zhan Group made her heart skip a beat.


    "Lucian, can you stop acting like this? Have you forgotten what your mother said to mest time?" If


    she worked in the Zhan Group, people were only going to talk about her. They were going to assume


    that she was just using the Zhan family for a job opportunity at the Zhan Group.


    "Amelia, why does any of that even matter? You''reing to work at the Zhan Group. You''re not going


    to be treated like a goddess there or something. Don''t think so highly of yourself," Lucian said bluntly.


    "I''ll work anywhere but the Zhan Group," Amelia replied stubbornly.


    "I''m running out of patience. If you don''t agree, I''m just going to have to force you into working," Lucian


    said coldly, his sharp eyes gazing back at Amelia.


    "Lucian, I don''t want to fight with you on an empty stomach. Let''s just talk about thister." Soon, their


    orders were served. Lucian had made Amelia feel ufortable with what he had just said. It seemed


    as if the more she fought back, the more aggressive he became. She resorted to turning her attention


    to the food instead.


    "Please enjoy yourself, Mrs. Amelia." With that, Lucian turned his face to the window, obviously


    protesting by not having dinner.


    Amelia figured he was mad at her so she just didn''t say anything.


    They weren''t on good terms so there was no use negotiating with him.


    Amelia was so absorbed in the food that she was able to ignore Lucian.


    "I think that''s Mr. Lucian!"


    "What is he doing here? Shouldn''t he be eating in a fancier hot pot ce? This is no ce for a man


    like him to be having dinner!"


    "Yup, I agree. Look at the woman he''s with. She''s eating like a beast..."


    "I heard he got married. I was so heartbroken when I heard that."


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    People were starting to gossip about them. Amelia stopped eating and looked at Lucian.


    Embarrassed, Amelia put down her chopsticks and asked indifferently, "Why aren''t you eating?"


    She assumed all men liked to eat meat so she ordered a lot of them thinking that Lucian would eat.


    However, he hadn''t even touched his chopsticks yet.


    "I''m already full just watching you eat," Lucian said emotionlessly.


    Amelia frowned. The irony in his tone wasn''t lost on her. She picked up her chopsticks again and


    continued scarfing the food down.


    Lucian didn''t like spicy food. He pouted in disapproval when he saw Amelia put more chili in her


    already spicy food.


    Half an hourter, Amelia put down her chopsticks with satisfaction.


    "Are you full?" His voice was cold and sharp like knives.


    Amelia nodded. She nced at the food in front of Lucian and said, "You didn''t even touch your


    chopsticks. You don''t have to foot the bill for this one."


    "Here," Lucian ignored her as he handed his card to the waiter.


    "Hey, don''t take it. I... Hmf!" Before Amelia could finish, Lucian had covered her mouth with his hand.


    Her eyes were widened in shock and it seemed so innocent.


    "Amelia, we''re in a public ce. Keep your voice down." Lucian stood up and said coldly, "People were


    literally talking about you just now. If you don''t want anyone to recognize you then it''s best if you keep


    your mouth shut."


    Amelia looked around and realized how many people were staring at them. In an attempt to avoid the


    attention, she hurried out of the restaurant right away.


    After getting in the car, Lucian said disapprovingly, "You smell like hot pot! That''s disgusting!"


    It was easy to tell that he was angry.


    Amelia turned her head and said in the same disapproving tone that Lucian had just used, "Then


    maybe I can just get off and take a taxi home."


    However, as soon as the words left her mouth, she quickly realized the error in what she had said.


    She was living in Lucian''s home. Why should she go back there? That wasn''t her home.


    Lucian didn''t say anything anymore. He merely started the engine and drove off.


    When they arrived home, just as Amelia was making her way upstairs to her bedroom, Lucian stopped


    her and said, "Lily didn''te in tonight. Make something light for my dinner."


    Amelia was about to refuse his request when she saw Lucian take off his jacket andy on the sofa.


    She heard him sigh as if out of exhaustion.


    ''He must have had a long and tiring day,'' she thought to herself.


    She then remembered that he hadn''t eaten anything yet. Her heart softened upon thinking of this which


    was what motivated her to go to the kitchen and cook something for him.


    Half an hourter, Amelia had finished cooking. When she walked into the living room, she found that


    Lucian had already fallen asleep.


    "Are you doing this on purpose?" She frowned. She''d cooked dinner for him and all that and here he


    was sleeping!


    "Even if I wanted to tease you, I wouldn''t do it on an empty stomach." The moment Amelia turned


    around, she heard a deep and cold voice from behind.


    With her back to him, Amelia rolled her eyes at Lucian. She was annoyed and just as she wasing


    up with a retort, Lucian had already stood up and sat on the table. He asked in amazement, "You


    cooked all these, Amelia?"


    His tone wasden in disbelief as he spoke.


    Was he really giving her apliment?


    "Yes!" They didn''t have that much food in the refrigerator and since Lucian had asked for a light dinner,


    she cooked two dishes that she knew how to cook well but didn''t cook often.


    It didn''t help either that these two dishes always reminded her of so many things she really didn''t want


    to think about anymore.


    "It looks good. I wonder if it tastes as good as it looks!" Once he''d taken a bite, he pleasantly smiled


    and said, "Thest time you cooked for me, I already thought that was good but these are even better!"


    Did she hear that wrong? Was Lucian actuallyplimenting her?


    "Well, this is thest time I''m cooking those for you!" She had topromise a bit just to cook these


    dishes.


    "Mrs. Amelia, you get 80 points for cooking these. Now if only you''d change your attitude then maybe I


    can give you the remaining 20 points," Lucian said happily as he enjoyed the food.


    Lucian seemed happy now which was a nice change to his usual cold demeanor that Amelia never


    liked.


    "I''m not your servant. Why should I be polite to you?" Amelia red at him scornfully. Still, she felt


    relieved when she saw that he''d finished everything she''d cooked.


    The dishes she had cooked for Lucian were hers and Iris''s favorite. She hasn''t eaten these ever since


    Iris died.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Lucian asked upon noticing that Amelia was frowning.


    Amelia was dazed for a while. When she gathered herself, she asked, "Are you done eating? If you


    are, I''m going to start cleaning up."


    Amelia was lost in her own thoughts. She remained unmoving even after Lucian had put down his


    chopsticks already.


    As Lucian gazed at Amelia, he too got lost in his own thoughts.


    His thoughts were interrupted by a certain girl''sugh that had been ingrained in his memory.


    If the tragedy hadn''t happened, she would be the one standing in the kitchen with him right now.


    When Amelia came out of the kitchen, Lucian was no longer in the living room. She thought he was


    already asleep so she went upstairs. However, when she arrived at the bedroom, the door suddenly


    flew open.


    "Are you going to sleep now?" Lucian asked, standing by the door.


    He had changed his clothes which made him look a bit more approachable.


    Maybe it was Lucian''s handsome face but he always looked so cold and indifferent no matter what he


    wore.


    Amelia stared at him obsessively. If Lucian hadn''t said anything, she might have just continued staring


    at him for a long time.


    "Yes." Amelia averted her gaze, not wanting to look at his handsome face.


    "The clothes you''re going to wear to work tomorrow are at the right side of your closet. It''s up to you


    which you''re going to wear but don''t wear any of your clothes, okay?" Lucian said as he eyed Amelia


    emotionlessly. Then he bade her goodnight.


    Amelia shook her head in confusion. ''Lucian''s so strange,'' she thought to herself.

 Chapter 20 Work In The Zhan Group

    Chapter 20 Work In The Zhan Group


    Although Amelia didn''t really want to work in the Zhan Group, she still got up early the following


    morning.


    "Mrs. Amelia, you''re up," Lilymented. She was standing by the stairway, wearing a floral apron as


    if she was waiting for Amelia.


    Amelia nodded awkwardly and went downstairs. When she looked around the living room, she didn''t


    see Lucian. ''Is he still sleeping? Does he think I''m going to bete?''


    "Tut, tut, nice. You''d look better in this dress." Amelia suddenly heard Lucian''s voice.


    She blushed and nced at her dress ufortably and then red at Lucian with dissatisfaction.


    Amelia did as she was told by Lucianst night. She wore the clothes that Lucian had deemed fit for


    work. The dress fit her well but it was tight which made her feel ufortable.


    The dress entuated her figure which made her look quite feminine.


    Lucian admired Amelia as he eyed her from head to toe.


    "Don''t frown like that, Amelia. You''re working for the Zhan Group, not some dump!" After this, Lucian


    put on his suit which showed off his handsomeness quite well. Amelia found herself getting lost in


    Lucian''s voice. By the time she came back to her senses, Lucian was already seated at the table for


    breakfast. He turned to Lily and said in a low voice, "Please ask Mrs. Amelia to have breakfast with


    me."


    Lily walked toward Amelia and said in a small voice, "Mrs. Amelia, Mr. Lucian is requesting that you


    have breakfast with him."


    Amelia wanted to say that she really wasn''t in the mood but then she recalled that she was going to


    have to sit in the car with Lucian on the way to work so she reluctantly took a seat across from Lucian.


    "Most of the employees at the Zhan Group are probably going to recognize you but they''re not going to


    give you any special treatment just because you''re my wife," Lucian said nkly. They were already in


    the car and Lucian was driving.


    Amelia sneered to herself, ''Who would want that?'' She never really thought that she''d be working in the


    Zhan Group.


    "Last night, your father called and said that he was recovering pretty well. He asked if you coulde


    visit him when you have the time," Lucian said tly. However, there was something about his tone that


    seemed strange.


    Amelia was taken aback. She asked slowly, "Is my father going to get sick again?"


    "At least his condition is under control now. He can go to thepany to deal with his business and he


    doesn''t need to stay at home all day long," Lucian exined then he added, "He wants to strike a deal


    with the Zhan Group but I told him that it''s going to depend on how you perform at your new job."


    Lucian''s face was emotionless.


    The anger was ignited in Amelia''s gentle eyes. She asked rather angrily, "Lucian, what do you think I


    am?"


    Vernon''spany was very small. There was no way apany as huge as Zhan Group would go


    into business with apany as small as Vernon''s. While Amelia had no idea what Vernon was up to,


    she was still mad at Lucian.


    They''d only agreed to the fake marriage and that was it! Nothing more and nothing less.


    "I''ll figure it out. You''re my wife now after all." With an evil smile ying in his lips, Lucian looked


    straight ahead, ignoring the angry Amelia.


    As soon as they arrived at the Zhan Group, Amelia was shocked by the grandiosity of the Zhan


    building.


    It towered into the sky!


    "It''s... Does the Zhan Group own the entirety of this?" There had to be at least 20 floors to the building.


    "Zhan Group" was written across the humongous facade of it. Amelia''s neck hurt just from trying to look


    up. Still, she grew curious as she''d never seen something like this before. It was amazing.


    Lucian nodded calmly and added, "This is thepany''s headquarters. We have other branches in


    other cities."


    "There''re more..." Amelia opened her eyes wide and bit her lower lip. She was still in disbelief.


    She looked lovely as she gazed at the building, mouth agape.


    "Good morning, Mr. Lucian!" His assistant, Eric, walked quickly toward them and bowed to them. Then,


    he saw Amelia behind Lucian and greeted politely, "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Amelia."


    "No... You''re wee." She was going to tell Eric not to call her Mrs. Amelia but when she nced at


    Lucian, she decided against it and just waved her hand awkwardly.


    "Eric, from now on, you can call her by her name especially during work. She''s just going to be a


    regr employee of the Zhan Group. She''s responsible for receiving clients and... Bringing me tea and


    water or maybe some snacks."


    "Bring you water and snacks?" Amelia repeated in surprise as she looked up at Lucian. She didn''t


    expect that to be part of her job description.


    "Yes," Lucian confirmed, a hint of teasing shing across his eyes.


    "All right." Upon giving it more thought, Amelia decided it wasn''t a big deal. At least, she was going to


    be making her own money now. If Lucian had given her a higher position, she didn''t know if she could


    face Fannie especially after everything that she''d said to herst time.


    "I didn''t expect you to be able to adjust so quickly. Now I''m looking forward to seeing how you''re going


    to perform," Lucian sneered. His tone was provocative as if he didn''t believe that Amelia would deliver.


    Eric took Amelia to report to the human resources department then he toured her around the office and


    gave her some reminders about what to do and not to do.


    After gaining a better perspective on the Zhan Group, Amelia concluded that her work mostly involved


    Lucian.


    She had no clear scope of what her job was going to be besides the fact that it mostly involved Lucian.


    In addition to keeping up with Lucian''s daily activities and handling them, she needed to be at all of


    Lucian''s appointments meaning she would be spending more time with him.


    Amelia shuddered at the idea of spending so much time with Lucian especially whenever she thought


    of his cold demeanor and that icy re he always seemed to have.


    Suddenly, the giant door flew open with a bang. Amelia''s face turned white as a sheet in fear. She then


    saw four men in ck suitse in and position themselves by the door. They all looked serious.


    Then Lucian strode into the office. The atmospherepletely shifted.


    Isn''t this her office? What''s Lucian doing here?


    Amelia was so frightened that she ced her hands on her desk, her heart pounding.


    "Remember her face," Lucian ordered as he eyed Amelia with a strange look on his face.


    "Got it," the four men in ck suits answered in unison.


    ''What is he doing? Why is Lucian asking them to remember my face?'' She touched her face in horror.


    "You may leave now." After the men left, Lucian shoved his hands in his pockets, an unreadable


    expression on his face. He raised his eyebrows and asked, "So what do you think so far? Is the office


    to your liking?"


    Amelia was still in a trance. When she heard Lucian, she replied impatiently, "Would it even matter


    what I say?"


    Lucian had the final say in everything that went on here at the Zhan Group. Amelia had a lot of


    comints. For one, she didn''t like that she was going to be spending most of her day with Lucian.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    "Not really," Lucian snorted. Then he gestured to the desk and said, "You can work here for now but I''d


    also like you to know that I also take my naps here."


    "What did you just say?" Amelia widened her eyes. She couldn''t believe her ears. She pointed to the


    corner and asked, "Are you telling me that you take naps here?"


    Lucian shrugged and said, "What? Is that a problem?"


    The curiosity in Amelia''s eyes was reced with a frown.


    Before seeing the actual office, she was already curious as to what it might look like. She didn''t expect


    that such a huge office area would belong to only Lucian. She couldn''t help but feel cheated.


    "Lucian, can I get another office perhaps?" she negotiated. She wasn''tfortable with the idea that


    Lucian would be taking a nap at her office every day.


    Lucian squinted his eyes upon noticing the nervous look on Amelia''s face. He asked, "What are you so


    nervous about?"


    "I..." She blushed and hurriedly said, "I''m not nervous. I just... I just don''t want to see you that often."


    What she said was perfectly reasonable.


    With a faint smile, Lucian prompted, "Really? You don''t?"


    The peppermint scent that often emanated from Lucian filled Amelia''s nose. His deep eyes were


    fixated on her causing her chest to tighten.


    Amelia found it odd that she didn''t find the peppermint scent repulsive especially in this cold weather.


    Lucian had stretched out his hand and caressed her skin. His touch was gentle and careful as if he was


    afraid of hurting Amelia.


    Amelia''s face was flushed. She lowered her head in embarrassment.


    Lucian thought she just looked absolutely beautiful like a daffodil just blossoming.


    Amelia''s clothes suited her very well. It brought out her charm and sexiness at the same time. Her


    scent was overpowering to Lucian. He lifted her chin with his one hand and said in a soft voice, "I think


    I like you better when you don''t speak."


    "What?" Amelia suddenly raised her head and looked directly into Lucian''s eyes. They were so close to


    each other that if they moved just a bit, they would be touching each other already.


    Amelia could feel his hot breath on her face which made her turn away. She then started to gasp.


    "Amelia, you''re a coward!" Lucian sneered before moving away from her. He then said in a serious


    tone, "You can pretend that I''m not here but you still have to stay."


    Amelia''s face was still flushed. While her heartbeat had already calmed down, she still felt nervous.


    "Bang bang bang..." There was a knock on the door.


    "Come in," Lucian said coldly.


    "Sir, the meeting begins at ten this morning," Eric reported as he came in.

 Chapter 21 Got Slapped

    Chapter 21 Got pped


    "Got it." "Get the files ready and if you have any questions, direct them to Eric."


    With that, Lucian left the office.


    ''Don''t be so cocky!'' Amelia frowned in disgust.


    "Mrs. Amelia... Er, Amelia. Here are the documents for the meetingter. Please arrange these and


    prepare the conference room while you''re at it. This is a major meeting of the shareholders. This is


    going to happen quite a lot so it''s better if you''re there today," Eric exined patiently.


    Amelia had already prepared everything. She was just about to sit back and rx when she saw


    Fannie and Nichsing towards her.


    ''Right. Eric said that the meeting''s for the shareholders. Of course, they''re going to be here,'' Amelia


    thought inwardly.


    Fannie had already heard that Amelia was working in the Zhan Group. Amelia just didn''t expect to see


    Fannie on her first day!


    Amelia stood in the middle of the corridor. She just stood there, anticipating the disaster that she knew


    was about toe.


    The floor was so shiny that it reflected her own shadow. When she saw another shadow nearing


    towards her, she balled her hands into fists out of nervousness, bracing herself for what Fannie was


    going to say to her.


    "What are you doing here?" Fannie said spitefully. She was wearing a rose-colored wool coat and


    expensive-looking jewelry. She looked absolutely divine. Unfortunately, the same could not be said


    about her personality.


    "Don''t talk to her like that, aunt. I''m not surprised she''s here. She''s Lucian''s wife, remember?" Shelly


    chimed in as she looped her arm around Fannie''s. She shot Amelia a re, her tone obviously


    mocking her.


    "What? Has Lucian given her shares of the Zhan Group?" Fannie stared at Amelia in shock and


    disdain.


    "Well, don''t be so rude, Fannie. This is the Zhan Group. This isn''t the ce for this. What a shame,


    huh?" Nichs said. Amelia really didn''t care that they were mad at her.


    "Nichs, you shouldn''t have indulged your son. Now look what you did! This is a mess!" Fannie


    wasn''t going to let Amelia go. She strode towards her, lifted her hand, and pped her across the face.


    Then she said in a threatening tone, "If you don''t stay away from the Zhan Group, I''ll make sure you


    regret it!"


    Before Amelia could even realize what was happening, she heard a buzzing sound ring in her ears.


    Then her head went nk. The next thing she knew, her face was already burning and slightly swelling.


    "Fannie, why did you hit her?" Nichs looked so angry that he shook his cane to show his frustration.


    He couldn''t stop Fannie since he was in a wheel chair and she was too fast for him.


    "I''m going to do whatever the hell I want. What are you going to do about it?" When she finished


    speaking, she raised her hand in an attempt to p Amelia again.


    However, this time, she failed.


    "Ma''am, I know you love your son very much so I''m going to let go of the fact that you pped me but


    I''m not going to let you do it again for the second time around," Amelia said calmly as she gripped


    Fannie''s wrist.


    Fannie shook off her hand and said angrily, "Shelly, get Lucian here!"


    "No need," Lucian piped in, his voice cold.


    "Lucian!" Shelly shouted in surprise as she excitedly ran towards him.


    "Lucian, you came just in time. This woman was so disrespectful. She hurt my hand! How could she


    call herself a Zhan when she hurts her own family?" Fannie immediatelyined.


    "I don''t know if she does call herself a Zhan but one thing''s for sure, she''s my wife!" Lucian said as he


    walked over to Amelia''s side and slipped an arm around her. He then said to her in a low voice, "Why


    aren''t you standing up for yourself?"


    Did he really want her to fight back against his own mother?


    Fannie grew speechless after Lucian defended Amelia. She red at Amelia and her face was white


    as a sheet. Shelly too was ring at Amelia rather resentfully.


    "Mr. Lucian, the shareholders have arrived," Eric reminded him in a low voice.


    The only way one could get to the conference room was the hallway where they were all standing.


    Fannie was standing behind Nichs now.


    "Take Mrs. Amelia to the infirmary and have her examined," Lucian ordered as he nced at Amelia''s


    swollen face.


    "No, thanks. I''m fine. I can handle it," Amelia said as she rushed to the bathroom. She just wanted to


    be alone right now.


    A sad look seemed to appear on Lucian''s face as he watched Amelia rush off.


    "How rude! Her husband''s parents are here and she''s just taking off like that?" Shellymented


    harshly as soon as Amelia had left.


    "Shelly, this is the general shareholder''s meeting which means you''re not allowed to enter," Lucian said


    as soon as they reached the door of the conference room. He turned to block Shelly from entering who


    was following behind him.


    Shelly frowned and said, "Lucian, just let me stay! I can be your personal assistant. I promise I won''t


    make any trouble."


    "I don''t like it when people are unreasonable," Lucian said coldly. He wasn''t going to let her in no


    matter what.


    Shelly pouted. Although she wanted to stay in the meeting room, she knew that Lucian wouldn''t


    change his mind so she had no choice but to agree, "Okay, fine. I''m going out."


    In the bathroom.


    Amelia stared at herself in the mirror for a long time, covering her face with one hand. She didn''t move


    until she heard a sarcastic voice from behind. She didn''t look bothered though. Instead, she looked


    calm.


    "Boo-hoo! How sad!"


    Shelly sneered. She crossed her arms over her chest and smiled triumphantly.


    She was still mad from how Lucian had treated her so she was taking her anger out on Amelia.


    Amelia turned the faucet on to drown out Shelly''s voice.


    "Don''t act like you''re some pure and innocent girl, Amelia. I know exactly what you''re capable of and


    I''m perfectly capable of doing the same. Don''t underestimate me," Shelly said as she reached over to


    turn off the faucet. She was wearing sky-high heels and a tight dress that showed off her sexy figure.


    Her eyes were full of contempt as she red at Amelia.


    However, dressing as such in the winter wasn''t exactly logical which was why she looked more like a


    prostitute than someone who came from a rich family.


    "Go ahead. Give it your best show." With that, Amelia turned to leave.


    She and Lucian were just acting. She didn''t care about Shelly and she really didn''t want to waste any


    more time talking to her.


    However, Shelly didn''t seem to want to let her go. She didn''t really want to believe that Amelia was just


    going to leave her like that so she blocked Amelia''s path and said, "You know, if you''re worried about


    money, I can pay you double as long as you leave Lucian." Her tone was spiteful as she spoke.


    Amelia extremely despised people like Shelly¡ªthey think that just because they were rich and


    powerful, they could do whatever they wanted. So she said, "It''s not like I''m running after Lucian, you


    know. He''s the one who won''t let me go."


    She was only saying the truth but Shelly seemed to be provoked.


    "Wow. Are you telling me that Lucian''s just that crazy over you?" Shelly said maliciously, her eyes filled


    with envy.


    "Miss Shelly, I suggest you talk to Lucian about this, not me. You''re just wasting your time arguing with


    me." Amelia had seen her nonsense before. It would only get more and more chaotic if she continued


    the talk. In addition to that, her face was already swollen so she really wasn''t in the mood to talk.


    "What do you mean?" Shelly thought that Amelia was bragging about her rtionship with Lucian to


    her. She said, her tone sharp as knives, "Amelia, I don''t think you can stand being Lucian''s wife for so


    long. It''s going to get harder and harder, you know."


    Amelia smiled. "I hope so."


    Amelia wanted to get out of her deal with Lucian as soon as possible so Shelly''s words didn''t really


    bother her or hurt her at all.


    Seeing Amelia remained unfazed no matter what she said, Shelly groaned and turned to leave.


    Amelia stood there in a daze for a long time. She didn''te to her senses until she heard a cold voice


    from behind.


    "What are you thinking about?" After lingering for a while, Lucian concluded that Amelia was in a trance


    since she wasn''t moving. He walked toward her and saw that half of her face was swollen. He frowned


    and asked, "Why didn''t you go to the infirmary?"


    She covered her face with her hands as if to try and stop him from looking.


    The p hurt but it was nothingpared to how harsh Fannie had spoken to her.


    "Lucian, I don''t know what I did in my previous life but I probably owed you big time there." As she


    gazed back at Lucian who was frowning, she didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    Her words hit Lucian like a truck.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    He couldn''t shake off the feeling that he''d heard this line before. It was her. She''d said the same thing


    to him before, crying as the words left her mouth. However, unlike her, Amelia didn''t say anything else.


    Like she didn''t me him. Still, he felt guilty.


    The sudden change in Lucian''s demeanor wasn''t lost on Amelia. She figured she may have gone too


    far so she changed the topic and asked, "Aren''t you supposed to be in the shareholder''s meeting?


    What are you doing here?" Needless to say, they were both at thedies'' room.


    ''Yeah, what am I doing here? Why couldn''t I focus on the meeting? Was it because I was worrying


    about Amelia?''


    These questions filled Lucian''s mind.


    He thought he was going crazy because he couldn''t stop thinking about Amelia during the meeting.

 Chapter 22 Is It A Banter

    Chapter 22 Is It A Banter


    "Come with me!" Lucian grabbed Amelia by the wrist and pulled her back to her office.


    When Lucian mmed the door shut, she behaved in fear that if she got on Lucian''s nerves, he''d


    threaten her again.


    "Lucian, we''re at work. Could you please... Could you please be a little more professional?" Amelia''s


    voice trailed off.


    Still, Lucian was as cold as ever. His actions touched Amelia though. As soon as she looked away, he


    put a cup of ice cubes in front of her.


    "Why''d you put ice cubes here?" Amelia asked in surprise. She didn''t see iting so she was taken


    aback.


    "This is the Zhan Group. You can find whatever you want here." Lucian was busy packing the ice cubes


    so he could press it against Amelia''s swollen face.


    In fact, before his meeting, he had already asked Eric to bring some ice cubes to the office. He thought


    that Amelia would be back from thedy''s room then but she wasn''t. Amelia was even grumbling.


    However, upon giving it more thought, he realized that maybe Amelia had the right to be angry because


    it was his fault for any of this happened anyway.


    "I can do it myself..." When he put the ice on her face, she took it uneasily and then lowered her eyes in


    embarrassment.


    She was supposed to be the wronged one but for some reason, she felt as if it was she who had done


    something wrong.


    "Apply some ointment on your face. You can''t have a swollen face. It''s going to affect the image of the


    Zhan Group." He purposely ridiculed Amelia because he still needed to go back to the meeting. He


    could only do that if he got on Amelia''s nerves.


    "The image of the Zhan Group has nothing to do with me!" She couldn''t believe that he was concerned


    about that right now!


    Lucian chuckled. He handed her a ss of water when he noticed that she was sulking. He said


    politely, "You went through a lot today. I''ll be back in half an hour. Wait for me. I just have to wrap up the


    meeting."


    Amelia grew nervous any time Lucian spoke to her like this¡ªsoft and gentle. She felt her face flushing.


    This feeling... Could it be...


    Amelia lowered her head quickly in embarrassment.


    When Lucian left, she couldn''t calm herself down. He was acting like the perfect gentleman and she


    didn''t know what to make of it.


    Amelia put the ice on her swollen face and smiled as she got lost in her thoughts.


    Lucian was indeed back in half an hour. When he went back, he said, "Let me see."


    Lucian leaned over to her, closing in the distance between them, and his peppermint scent filling her


    nose.


    Amelia blushed at once. She lowered her head shyly and said, "Thank you for your concern. I''m much


    better now."


    "What happened?" Lucian asked curiously when he saw the strange look on her face.


    Amelia blinked several times as she tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear. She looked


    embarrassed as she spoke in a nervous tone, "Nothing. Is it lunch time now?"


    Her eyes were averting his gaze.


    "Looks like you''re hungry. Let''s go out for lunch." With a smile on his face, Lucian gave the ice cubes to


    Amelia and reminded her, "Apply it to your face while we''re walking so it won''t swell tomorrow."


    Amelia wasn''t even hungry. She just said she wanted to eat because she couldn''t stand being stared at


    by Lucian like that. Initially, she assumed that Lucian was only joking with her but he seemed serious


    so she said,


    "I think I should just stay here. I mean, look at my face..."


    "Amelia, do you really think that you can affect the image of the Zhan Group?" Lucian joked.


    Amelia bit her lip and shook her head.


    "Well, I don''t have anything else to do this afternoon. Let me drive you home." Seeing her swollen face,


    Lucian felt a little sorry.


    ''Has he really changed today? Why is he being so nice?''


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Amelia was in deep thought when she heard Lucian speak, "Don''t be so touched. I just didn''t want to


    feel guilty. Besides, it was my mother who hit you. You''ll still get your sry for the entire day and I''m


    also going to cover the medical fees. Do you think that''s enough?"


    "Okay!" Amelia agreed. She felt much better now that he put it this way.


    After leaving the office, Amelia was first taken to the hospital for outpatient care. She was prescribed


    some painkillers and anti-inmmatory drugs. Before leaving, Lucian asked the doctor whether Amelia


    needed to be hospitalized. Upon hearing this, Amelia red at him. To her, Lucian was just making a


    fuss out of nothing.


    "Have you ever been sick? If I get hospitalized for such a trivial thing, can you imagine how many


    hospitals they''re going to have to build around the country?" Amelia said as soon as they got in the car.


    "Amelia, I was only concerned about you. Just don''t be so defiant next time," Lucian warned as he


    nced at Amelia.


    Oh my God! This man!


    Shaking her head in disapproval, Amelia turned to the other side to ignore him.


    "Your phone''s ringing," Lucian suddenly said, his tone icy as ever.


    Amelia turned to find her phone only to realize that she''d left it at the office earlier. Lucky for her, Lucian


    was considerate enough to bring it with him.


    "Thank you," Amelia said in a low voice. When she checked her phone, she found that it was her father


    calling. She hesitated for a moment before answering, "Hello, dad."


    "Amelia, can you go back to the Mo mansion now?" Vernon''s voice was husky and he sounded


    stressed.


    "Dad, what happened?" she asked nervously, noticing the difference in his voice.


    Looking over at Amelia, Lucian pulled over the car to wait for her to finish the call.


    "Hello, dad?" Vernon had hung up the call. Amelia grasped Lucian''s arm and said anxiously, "Can you


    please bring me to the Mo mansion?"


    Lucian didn''t press for more. He merely made a U-turn and drove towards the Mo mansion.


    ''I thought he''s recovered? Why did he sound so weak over the phone? And why did he hang up?''


    She looked very anxious. Letting Lucian drive as quickly as he could, she clenched her hands into fists,


    not knowing what to do.


    "Don''t worry. He''ll be fine," Lucianforted her.


    "Thank you," she responded sincerely.


    When they arrived at the Mo mansion, Amelia rushed in. Standing by the door, she saw Vernon sitting


    in the center of the living room, gasping for breath with one hand on his heart.


    "Dad, what''s wrong?" She knelt in front of him, at a loss.


    "Don''t worry. Your father''s probably having a heart attack. Go get his medicine," Lucian said as he


    hurriedly helped Vernon up.


    "Okay." Amelia was shaking all over. She handed the medicine to Lucian and said nervously, "I''ll get


    some water."


    As soon as Lucian put the pill into Vernon''s mouth, Amelia let out a groan. Even though the sound was


    small, Lucian heard it.


    "Here you are!" The back of Amelia''s hand was still sore but she still handed the ss of water to


    Lucian.


    After taking the pills, Vernon looked much better. He said in a hoarse voice, "I''m sorry for making you


    worried."


    Lucian shook his head and said to Amelia, "Wash your hands with cold water."


    He didn''t sound exactly sweet but his concern made her feel warm in her heart.


    "Dad, why are you home alone? Where''s Sophia?" Amelia checked all the other rooms in the house


    but she didn''t see neither Sophia nor the only maid in the house.


    Vernon coughed several times before saying, his voice hoarse, "Ynda''s pregnant. Your mother and


    Susan are taking care of her."


    "She''s not my mother!" Amelia protested vehemently.


    In response, Lucian looked at Amelia in surprise.


    Not once in the past ten years did she call Sophia her mom. She wouldn''t even call her aunt! So she


    absolutely resented it when Vernon referred to her as that.


    Why would she suddenly forgive Sophia after everything she''d done to her?


    Iris had always been even-tempered. Even after she found out about Vernon''s affair with Sophia, she


    didn''t cry or scream. Instead, they had a good talk about it like adults thinking that they would still be


    able to fix their marriage. However, when Vernon didn''te one night, they all knew that he was with


    Sophia then. That''s when Iris knew that her marriage was failing...


    Looking back, that was probably what triggered Iris tomit suicide because she was depressed and


    confused. And that was why she gave up on herself and even Amelia easily.


    At the thought of this, tears rolled down her cheeks.


    "Amelia, I know you feel wronged and you feel resentful. I regret everything even though ten years


    have passed. We just have to let it go and move on. There''s no point in hurting yourself over the past."


    Vernon''s words were followed by a series of coughs.


    "I can understand Sophia wanting to take care of Ynda but Susan should be here to look after you!


    You have a heart condition and she knows that. Why would she leave you here all alone?" Amelia said


    as she wiped her tears with the back of her hand.


    "It''s because I''ve been feeling better. I''ve been recovering. It was just the stress over the business that


    stressed me out. I''m getting pretty old too." Vernon shifted the topic to work, sessfully avoiding


    answering her question directly.

 Chapter 23 Vernon Got Sick

    Chapter 23 Vernon Got Sick


    "Since you want to protect her and her daughter, I have nothing else to say. Take care of yourself." All


    of a sudden, Amelia became cold and distant.


    Just when she was about to turn to leave, Lucian grabbed onto her hand. Looking up, she met Lucian''s


    deep eyes, making her cheeks flush a slight pink.


    "I''ve called the doctor. He''ll be here soon. Go wash up and get some rest. I''ll be here." Lucian''s voice


    had a calming effect to it, which put a little ease on Amelia''s restless heart.


    This man had yed an important role just now in such a critical moment.


    Amelia was full of gratitude.


    After Amelia left, Lucian looked at Vernon, who was lying on the bed. "Why are you doing this?"


    Vernon was frightened and guilty. Lucian saw through his intentions so he had no other choice but to


    speak out the truth. "Amelia was introverted and sensitive. But it didn''t use to be like that. She used to


    be extroverted and lively. Ever since her mother passed away, Amelia changed. She didn''t talk to me.


    She was indifferent to this family. After several years of being sick, her attitude towards me became


    better..."


    "So all you''re saying is that you''re just trying to get her attention?" Lucian snorted and shook his head.


    "Lucian, I''m relieved to see that you''re treating my daughter so well," Vernon let out a contented sigh.


    "Amelia still does not know about your real purpose just yet, but she will soon because she''s no longer


    a child. You will never win her trust by pretending like this. What''s more, it''s really inappropriate for you


    to joke around with your own health," Lucian said tly. He stood up and looked down on Vernon, "I''ve


    called your attending doctor. You can take a rest and I''ll go talk to Amelia."


    "Lucian, I know it''s my fault. But can you promise me one thing? Please take good care of Amelia."


    There was shame in Vernon''s eyes as he pleaded.


    Hearing this, Lucian secretly felt surprised. He thought that Vernon was going to take advantage of his


    rtionship with Amelia for business reasons ¡ª it turned out that he wanted Lucian to take care of his


    daughter.


    When he heard these words, Lucian''s heart trembled, and then the waves of guilt surged through him.


    He couldn''t help but realize how little he had cared about Amelia, and how coldly he even acted


    towards her.


    "She is my wife. Don''t worry." With or without the contract, Amelia was still really his wife. No matter


    what the circumstance, it was his obligation to take care of her.


    Meanwhile, Amelia was cooking a small pot of porridge in the kitchen. Lucian came in, leaning against


    the door frame as he quietly watched Amelia for a few moments.


    "Is that for your father?" Lucian asked. Walking over, he looked at the food Amelia was cooking over


    her shoulder.


    Amelia nodded and then turned to ask, "Do you want some?"


    It seemed as if Amelia was in a better mood right now.


    Lucian was a little surprised. "That smells really good. You should cook more often in the future," he


    said with a smile.


    With these words, Lucian turned around and left.


    What did he mean? Amelia shook her head reluctantly. ''He doesn''t really mean that,'' she thought in her


    heart. ''He just wanted to have something to say.''


    After the check-up, the doctor said that it was nothing serious, and was only probably caused by stress


    and emotional imbnces.


    Hearing this, Amelia let out a breath of relief.


    However, Amelia still couldn''t help but feel uneasy. "Lucian," she said to him in a low voice, "I''m worried


    to leave him all by himself at night."


    Before she could continue, Ynda''s sharp voice suddenly came in. "Dad, whose luxury car is parked


    up front?"


    Rolling her eyes, Amelia shed a mocking smile at Lucian.


    "I know how you feel, Amelia..." Vernon said in a whispered voice. A cough erupted from his chest.


    There was a reason why Vernon was worried that something bad might happen when Amelia saw


    Ynda.


    "I''ve endured that woman for over ten years. I think I can handle seeing her right now. Please just focus


    on getting better." Every time Amelia and Ynda quarreled, Vernon always told Amelia to just leave


    her be, even if Ynda was the one who always caused trouble.


    There were clear and deep wrinkles on Vernon''s forehead as his eyebrows tightly knitted together.


    "What? Where''s dad?" Ynda asked from downstairs. "Jasper!" she called out, "Can you go check


    upstairs if my father is home or not? I don''t want to climb the stairs."


    The house as made out of wood, making it easy to hear everything that was going on inside. It was


    built by Vernon''s own two hands. At that time, Amelia was only seven years old. While Vernon was


    responsible for building the house, Amelia''s mother, Iris, was the one who decorated and made


    everything beautiful. But, over the years, the house had been a bit neglected and just looked old.


    The house was still where it was, but it had changed, as well as the people who were inside.


    Thinking about this, Amelia was filled with sadness and destion.


    That was why she seldom went back to the Mo mansion. She would rather live in the rental house to


    eat boxed lunches than stay at home to see Vernon.


    On the other hand, she was able to see Jasper once in a while. Then again, she could no longer feel


    any warmth in the Mo family.


    However, Sophia always denigrated her in front of Vernon, ming her for not keeping her chastity and


    living with other men at such a young age. Vernon always listened to Sophia and was extremely


    dissatisfied with what Amelia did.


    There was the sound of footsteps going up the stairs. A tight frown appeared on Amelia''s face. She


    knew that it was Jasper.


    It was inevitable that this man from her past would keep showing up in her life.


    There was still a bitterness in her heart that someone she loved had just walked out from her life like


    that. Memories of the good times she had with Jasper would asionally sh in her mind.


    Knock--- knock! "Dad, are you home?" he called out from the other side of the door.


    Amelia stood up and opened the door without even raising her head. With her hand on the knob, she


    turned around and said to Lucian, "Since they''re back now, we should head out."


    Amelia didn''t want to spend one second in the same room with Jasper, nor did she want to hear


    Ynda''s ear-piercing voice.


    "Okay." With a smile, Lucian stood up and faced Vernon. "Take care of yourself. Just know that you can


    call me if you need anything."


    Warmth surged through Amelia''s heart when she heard Lucian say this to her father.


    Amelia was not a vain woman. However, when she saw Jasper''s surprised face, she threw her head up


    proudly and grabbed on to Lucian''s arm. A smile beamed brightly on her face.


    "Amelia," Jasper eximed. He looked around the room. "And Lucian. I just got here with Ynda. Are


    you two leaving?" Jasper felt a little embarrassed. He looked at Amelia for a while and hesitantly


    looked back at Lucian, like a terrified subordinate reporting to his boss.


    "Yes," Lucian said matter-of-factly.


    Before leaving the room, Amelia turned around to look at her father onest time. "Dad, I made you


    some porridge. If you''re alone at home tomorrow, please call me and I''lle over to make dinner for


    you."


    Although she didn''t really want to say this, she couldn''t help herself because Vernon was still her father


    after all. As the saying goes, ''Blood runs thicker than water.''


    "Don''t worry about me. I''ll be fine," Vernon replied with a faint smile.


    Jasper couldn''t tell what was going on. He walked over to Vernon''s bedside, "Dad, I''ll just see Amelia


    and Lucian out. I''ll get back to you shortly."Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    After walking out of the room, Amelia wanted to let go of Lucian''s hand, but found that Ynda was


    looking at her unhappily. Seeing this, Amelia held on tighter.


    Lucian noticed this and cast a sidelong nce at her. Looking up, he saw that Ynda was at the foot


    of the steps. "Let''s just leave quickly," he whispered.


    With Jasper walking closely behind them, Lucian didn''t say anything more.


    "Oh, it''s you, Mrs. Amelia! Look at the car outside. It''s really cool!" As expected, before Amelia went


    downstairs, Ynda started her annoying babble.


    Amelia had gotten used to it and was ready to go out directly regardless of Ynda''s presence.


    Seeing how Ameliapletely ignored her, however, Ynda''s face turned into a bitter frown. "Not so


    fast, Amelia," she called out. "In case you don''t know yet, I''ve taken your bedroom. I''m nning on


    turning it to a baby room actually. Just thought you should know."


    "What did you say?" Amelia looked back, surprised and indignant.


    "Although Jasper and I have found a ce to stay after our wedding, we would still like toe back


    here in the future. You''re now some rich guy''s wife, aren''t you? I don''t think you''d mind giving up your


    shabby room." With her arms crossed over her chest, Ynda looked so as if she was so disgusted at


    the thought of Amelia''s old room.


    Amelia held back her anger and said calmly, "You can get anything you want. I don''t care. But there''s


    no way you can have my room."


    Amelia continued to walk towards the front door.


    "Amelia, I''m still talking to you! Don''t think I''m afraid of you just because you have Lucian by your side!"


    Ynda''s face changed. She suddenly became angry in a mocking tone. She stroked her belly with


    one hand, and pointed at Amelia''s face with the other. In a domineering tone, she said, "You''ve married


    to Lucian. Anything in the Mo family is at my disposal!"


    Looking at her cocky head, Amelia sneered, "Do you really think that you can be a member of this


    family just because bear its name?"


    Ten years ago, Sophia brought Ynda into the Mo family. At that time, Ynda was still a member of


    the Che family. It was obvious that Ynda couldn''t wait to be recognized as a Mo and call Vernon her


    father.


    Since Amelia had seen and experienced the sour side to Ynda''s character, she found it difficult to


    ept Ynda as a part of her family.


    The first few months that Sophia was here, she was really as sweet as an angel. But afterwards, she


    started to get aszy as a cat, and did nothing but y mahjong. Most of the time, Sophia was not at


    home, and so Amelia had to do most of the housework. Even when they hired Susan as their help,


    there were still so many other things Amelia had to do.


    That was why Ynda, who acted as a host, oftenughed at her, saying that Amelia was even inferior


    to the servants in the Mo family.


    It was apparent on the look on Ynda''s face that Amelia''s words had hit her hard.


    She gritted her teeth, not expecting that Amelia would have the guts to snap back at her like


    that.

 Chapter 24 Fight Back

    Chapter 24 Fight Back


    Normally, no matter how harsh her words were, Amelia wouldn''t fight back but this time...


    Briefly astonished, Ynda snorted, "Amelia, I know what you cherish the most. It''s the photo of your


    mother, right? I put it in the storage room so you won''t have to worry about losing it anymore."


    "Did you put my mother''s portrait in the storage room?" Amelia was seething by now, eyes widened in


    anger.


    "Yeah, it''s the perfect ce to store it in because no one ever goes there and it''s quiet there. That''s


    what dead people like, right? They like ces that are quiet," Ynda continued indifferently, failing to


    notice the anger rising in Amelia.


    "p!" The sound echoed throughout the building.


    "How dare you p me, Amelia?" Ynda was still in a daze as she covered her face with her hand.


    "Did you really think I wouldn''t fight back? That''s my mother you''re talking about! You''re getting on my


    nerves and I won''t tolerate that," Amelia said calmly as she made her way to the storage room.


    It didn''t matter to Amelia how badly she got treated or how other people often wronged her but when it


    came to her mother, she had very little tolerance.


    Irismitted suicide because she couldn''t handle all the problems she was carrying on her back. She


    deserved to be respected in her death. Only horrible people spoke ill of the dead and only Ynda and


    Sophia were capable of doing such a despicable thing.


    The storage room was dark and it was filled with a lot of junk that the Mo family had umted


    throughout the years. When Amelia opened the lights, she sighed as the amount of boxes that had


    been stuffed in this room was unbelievable. It would take her forever to get through all of these. Holding


    back her tears, she tried her best to look through the boxes to find her mother''s portrait.


    "Let me help you," Lucian suddenly spoke. His gentle voice made her feel a little bit better.


    "Thank you." Amelia didn''t refuse and she continued to look through the boxes.


    About half an hour had passed yet they still couldn''t find Iris''s portrait. By this time, she was already


    sweating buckets. There was no air circting in their basement so she was having difficulty breathing.


    Putting a hand on one of the boxes for some support, she started to do deep breathes.


    "Why don''t you go out for some fresh air? I''ll stay here and continue looking," Lucian said gently to


    Amelia when he realized she was having difficulty breathing.


    Lucian insisted since he knew she was never going to admit that she was tired.


    She wiped the sweat off her forehead. Her eyes were swollen and red despite not crying.


    Every time she thought of her mother, she had to control herself and stop herself from crying even


    though she could feel the sadness filling her heart. Some people say that when ites to the dead,


    it''s better to smile at them and relieve them of whatever worries they might have about you.


    ''Mom, don''t worry. I won''t put up with anything like that anymore. I don''t want you to worry about the


    future,'' Amelia thought inwardly.


    "Yes, found it!" Finally, Amelia found Iris''s portrait in a box. Clutching it close to her chest, tears finally


    streamed down her face, letting go of all the emotions she''d been repressing.


    "There, there. It''s okay." Lucian walked over and touched Amelia''s head as a way tofort her.


    When Amelia walked out of the storage room, she didn''t see Ynda. Instead, she saw Jasper who


    was standing in the living room, looking guilty. The minute he saw her, he walked towards her and said


    in an apologetic tone, "Amelia, Ynda went way too far. I''d like to apologize to you on her behalf."


    Amelia wasn''t even mad anymore until he mentioned this. Now she was triggered.


    She sneered in disdain, "Jasper, you have no right to apologize to me!"


    Jasper was visibly embarrassed. After a while, he said, "To be honest, I didn''t mean to take over your


    room like that but... I mean, you know how Ynda loves topete with you so no matter what I say


    is useless because she doesn''t ever listen to me..."


    ''What? Is he really going to y the aggrieved husband act to me?'' Amelia thought to herself.


    "Yes, she took away my stuff. The only thing I''m thankful for is that she took this jerk away from me and


    saved me from future suffering." For the first time in a long time, Amelia was finally able to speak her


    mind. It seemed as if having Iris''s portrait with her gave her the courage.


    Jasper froze. ''Wow, she''s changed. I don''t even know her anymore,'' he thought to himself.


    "Amelia, why don''t you take mom''s portrait back to our ce? That way she can be in a quiet and


    peaceful environment," Lucian said gently, pulling Amelia into his arms.


    The SJ Garden was situated at the foot of a mountain, beside a river. It was definitely way quieter than


    the Mo mansion where chaos always seemed to be present.


    The problem was that her marriage with Lucian wasn''t real. It was fake. Would it even be appropriate


    for her to bring Iris''s portrait there?


    "I only want you to be with your mom. It''s fine," Lucian added upon noticing her hesitation.


    Amelia raised her head a little. She couldn''t help but notice the stubble on Lucian''s wheat-colored skin.


    While he seemed careless on the surface, he always made her feel secure whenever she needed it.


    Her frown was reced with a bright smile.


    This made Jasper''s heart twist in pain.


    Amelia used to look at him this way before¡ªeyes full of gratitude and love. Now, she was looking at


    another man in the same way.


    When Amelia and Lucian returned to the SJ Garden, Amelia intended to head to her bedroom where


    she could put Iris''s portrait. However, Lucian suddenly said, "Come with me."


    Despite her confusion, she still followed him.


    "What is this empty room for?" The room was beautifully decorated and it was almost bare save for a


    few pieces of furniture that were strategically ced around the room. It seemed that the room was


    designed to be ssic in style based on the ink paintings on the wall.


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    "You can put your mom''s portrait here. I can get you an altar where you can put it," Lucian suggested


    thoughtfully as he pointed at the center of the wall.


    Amelia thought this was unnecessary as she really didn''t mind keeping Iris''s portrait by her bed stand.


    "Thank you but you don''t really need to do this. I can put it in my room. It''s big enough anyway."


    Tightening the portrait in her hands, she suddenly grew bashful.


    "Look outside the window. It has an excellent view with bamboos and grass just right outside. It''s


    beautiful here all year round. You''ll thank me when winter and summeres. Just put the picture here


    and I''ll get you an altar," Lucian insisted, his tone determined.


    Rendered speechless, she couldn''t help but notice how much quieter it was here than it was in the Mo


    mansion.


    ''I''m so grateful for him. He''s been nothing but supportive. It''s so generous of him to offer this room,'' she


    thought to herself. While she knew that rich people were particr about a lot of things, she was


    thankful that Lucian wasn''t like that.


    After cing Iris''s photo on the table, Lucian bowed to the picture sincerely. After walking out of the


    room, he said, "Iris seemed like a beautifuldy."


    Amelia smiled and said proudly, "My father told me that my mother used to be the campus crush and


    so many people tried to pursue her."


    Looking at the happiness on Amelia''s face, a slight smile crept over the corners of his mouth. "Well,


    looks like you made your mother proud."


    Amelia had a delicate face. Her bright smile made people feel warm. Her innocence and purity made


    Lucian feel tingly on the inside. She gave him a sense offort too.


    As much as he wanted to treat her the way he did to other women, he found that she wasn''t like that at


    all. She was veryfortable with herself and had no problems expressing her emotions¡ªa quality he


    found to be refreshing.


    Did he justpliment her? Amelia looked at him in surprise. She blushed and touched her face


    unconsciously.


    Luckily, her face wasn''t swollen anymore.


    "Lily, would you please cook some green bean soup for Mrs. Amelia''s dinner?" Lucian told Lily after


    making a call. He added, "I have a dinner party tonight so I won''t be home untilte. Please make sure


    Mrs. Amelia goes to bed early."


    "Okay." Lily nodded. Then she asked cautiously, "Mr. Lucian, is Mrs. Amelia pregnant?"


    Pregnant! With a frown on his face, Lucian asked in confusion, "Why do you think so?"


    How could she get pregnant when they slept in separate rooms?


    "Then why would you sleep in separate rooms? You should be watching over Mrs. Amelia if she''s


    pregnant so she should be sleeping in the master bedroom!" Confusion was written all over Lily''s face.


    All of a sudden, Lucian''s face darkened and said solemnly, "Just focus on doing your job. Don''t ask


    questions when it''s none of your business."


    If Lily hadn''t mentioned this, he wouldn''t have realized that their setup would be a problem. It was


    completely eptable for Lily to be curious. They were supposed to be a newlywed couple after all.


    When Amelia went downstairs, she couldn''t find Lucian. At that time, Lily came out of the kitchen and


    said with embarrassment, "Mrs. Lucian, Mr. Lucian asked me to cook green bean soup for you. He also


    told me that he has a dinner with a client tonight and you don''t have to wait for him. He asked you to go


    to bed early."


    Hearing Lily''s words, Lucian seemed like the perfect husband.


    Amelia nodded with a smile and then sat at the table, inviting Lily to have dinner with her. Lily waved


    her hand bashfully and said, "Mrs. Amelia, please enjoy your meal. I can eatter."


    Seeing the panic on Lily''s face, Amelia stood up and walked up to her. She asked in a soft voice,


    "Would you please join me? It''s so boring to eat alone."


    Living alone in such a big house made her feel lonely and sad.


    "Okay," Lily agreed seeing as she couldn''t refuse after her master had asked so nicely. She added


    happily, "Mrs. Amelia, I''m so lucky to have you as my master. You''re so nice and patient."


    For some reason, this made Amelia sad.


    "Lily, from now on, I don''t want you to see me as your master and I won''t treat you like my servant. If


    you''re scared of Lucian scolding you, you can just call me by my name when it''s just the two of us. We


    can have dinner together whenever he''s not around. What do you think about that?" Amelia knew what


    it was like to be treated like a servant and she didn''t want to do that to Lily. To her, Lily was like a little


    sister. She couldn''t find it in herself to treat Lily any other way.


    "Mrs. Amelia, you... You''re too kind. I just graduated from high school. This isn''t my first job. I''ve


    already served other rich people but they were all crazy. They would get mad at me over the littlest


    things. You''re the only one who''s ever been this nice to me." Gratitude was written all over Lily''s face¡ª


    her eyes were gleaming and tears seemed to be welling up under them.


    After dinner, Amelia walked around the vi. Then she went back to the living room and watched some


    TV with Lily. When the clock struck ten, Lily said, "Mrs. Amelia, you can go to bed now if you''re feeling


    sleepy already."


    Amelia went back to the bedroom when she remembered that she didn''t need to wait up for Lucian


    anymore. It''s not like she was nning to stay upte either. She took a quick shower and went to bed.


    However, she had trouble sleeping as she couldn''t stop thinking about Lucian.

 Chapter 25 A Man And A Woman Alone

    Chapter 25 A Man And A Woman Alone


    Amelia couldn''t believe she was losing sleep over Lucian!


    She knew very well that she and Lucian were just a fake couple but she still couldn''t stop herself from


    worrying about him, thinking that he would get drunk at his dinner party.


    Amelia buried herself in her pillow to try to get some sleep.


    The next morning, 8 a.m. After Amelia got up, she thought that Lucian hade back. When she was


    finished preparing, she headed downstairs to which she was met by Lily''s question, "Mrs. Amelia, have


    you talked to Mr. Lucian? He didn''te homest night."


    It seemed that Lucian hadn''te home yet.


    Amelia had to go to work now but no one was going to drive her and it would take her a while before


    she could hail a taxi. In this case, she was probably going to bete to work.


    Suddenly, her phone started ringing. She assumed it would be Lucian but it wasn''t. Instead, she heard


    an unfamiliar man''s voice, "Mrs. Amelia, boss asked me to pick you up for work."


    "Okay, I''ll be right there." Amelia calmed herself down. She looked at the breakfast on the table and


    said to Lily apologetically, "Lily, the driver''s already waiting outside. I don''t have time for breakfast."


    "It''s okay. I''ll pack your breakfast for you." Passing a ss of milk and toast to Amelia, Lily said with a


    sweet smile, "Bye, Mrs. Amelia. Have a good day at work."


    The moment Amelia walked out the gate, she saw a brand new Lamborghini parked right in front.


    "Mrs. Amelia, please." The man seemed to be in his 30s. He spoke and behaved respectfully as he


    gestured for Amelia to enter the car.


    Amelia bowed and expressed her thanks.


    "You''re wee, Mrs. Amelia. I''m Frank Chen, Mr. Lucian''s driver. Starting today, I''ll be driving you to


    and from work," Frank exined as he started the car.


    ''Frank?'' She did recall Lucian mentioning him before.


    Just the other day, Lucian had mentioned him when he was insisting that he ask his driver to send her.


    "Did Lucian ask you to pick me up?" She still couldn''t help but be worried since Lucian didn''te


    homest night.


    As a way tofort herself, she told herself that she was only worried because anyone would be. She


    was just being polite.


    Refusing to believe that it was a sign that she was starting to have feelings for him, she shoved the


    thought at the back of her mind.


    "Yes, Mr. Lucian called me early in the morning and asked me to pick you up at the SJ Garden," Frank


    answered simply.


    While Amelia still didn''t know why, she just let it be and didn''t ask anything anymore.


    When they arrived at the Zhan Group building, Amelia got out of the car. The minute she did, she felt


    as if someone was looking at her. She turned in horror to find a good number of people gaping at her


    as if she was a zoo monkey.


    They seemed to be staring at the luxury car which made her feel annoyed. Just as she was starting to


    feel grateful for having a driver, she realized that it might actually be more of a problem than anything.


    When she walked into the elevator, she heard several girls whispering to each other. "I thought


    Cindere stories only existed in books. Who would''ve thought that someone would be so lucky? It''s


    like she''s living in a fairy tale!"


    "Right?! Well, I guess that''s how the world works. Women love rich men after all."


    "Our CEO is so rich and handsome. He''s so dreamy! If I ever marry someone like him, I''d dly be a


    widow in my next life."


    "You wish! Here we are."


    The women tried to whisper but it seemed as if the more they talked, the more excited they became.


    They didn''t stop talking until Amelia was left alone in the elevator.


    When Amelia got on her floor, she stepped out and made her way to her office. However, Eric blocked


    her and said, "Mrs. Amelia, kindly wait for a moment please. The CEO is still inside for business."


    "Yes?" Amelia frowned in confusion but as soon as she realized what Eric was talking about, she


    apologized, "I''m sorry. I wasn''t thinking straight. Sure, I''ll wait."


    Initially, she thought that she was free toe and go in her office as she pleased. However, she


    quickly realized that she was sharing her office with Lucian so she had to consider him too. Since there


    was a lounge in the office, she figured Lucian was probably inside freshening up. He didn''test


    night after all.


    Ten minutes had passed and Lucian still hadn''te out. Amelia was starting to feel hungry as she


    held her milk and toast in her hands. She asked Eric, who was just standing next to her, "Do you want


    to eat?"


    ncing at the food Amelia was holding, Eric hastily waved his hand and said, "Thank you, Mrs.


    Amelia but I''ve already eaten."


    She unpacked her food and started eating.


    Worried that Lucian would catch her eating, she hurriedly scarfed down her food.


    As soon as she finished eating, the door of the office flew open.


    Amelia was utterly shocked by what she saw.


    "Lucian, I''ll see you tonight." The sexy woman nted a big fat kiss with her red lips on Lucian''s face


    before leaving. She then whispered something into his ear, eyes sparkling. Her tight skirt entuated


    her hour-ss figure, her slim waist, and her long legs that went on for days. Needless to say, she was


    practically every man''s dreame true.


    Amelia''s brain went nk at the sight of this scene. The air around her seemed to close in on her and


    she suddenly felt as if her legs were turning into jelly. She felt as if she was going to fall any moment.


    It was so strange. Why was Amelia feeling this way?


    The woman wore her hair long and curly coupled with a strong perfume. As she passed by Amelia, she


    put on a cold smile.


    Then she looked at Lucian who was dressed in a crisp suit that only made him even more handsome.


    He didn''te homest night. Did he spend the night with this woman?


    The question lingered in her head.


    "Mrs. Amelia, let''s go inside," Eric reminded her in a low voice.


    She nodded and tried to calm herself down. She tried tofort herself by telling herself that their


    marriage was only a deal and thus it was fake.


    She wasn''t supposed to care who Lucian spent the night with. It was none of her business.


    Plus, before they even met, Lucian always had a new girl every week.


    She knew she needed to get used to seeing him with different women every week.


    "I hope I''m not disturbing you." Amelia sat down and shed him a smile before beginning to peruse


    the documents that were on her table.


    Lucian stared at Amelia for a long time without saying anything.


    Suddenly, he said, "She''s my junior schoolmate, Sasha. She just came back from studying abroad."


    ''So what? I already know what happened. You guys had a dinner, a few drinks here and there, next


    thing you know, you''re both drunk. These things happen.''


    Her mind starteding up with different scenarios.


    ''What''s wrong with me? Why can''t I stop thinking about that kiss that he just had with that other


    woman?''


    She dropped the documents on her table and started scratching her head, her mind a mess.


    Lucian was confused by her response. He walked over to her and asked, "What''s the matter with you?"


    "I''m fine..." Amelia didn''t think she could have done anything anyway. Lucian was the boss after all.


    "Raise your head." Lucian leaned over to her by hoisting himself up on her desk. He was tall so he


    could do it effortlessly. They were so close to each now that when Lucian reached out his hand,


    Amelia''s heart beat started pulsing in her ears, her face reddened. She didn''t know what Lucian was


    going to do but she raised her head as he said.


    "Do I have something on my face?" He had gently swept his fingers around her mouth, as if he was


    brushing something away.


    "Bread crumbs," Lucian said faintly.


    Amelia lowered her head and said thank you in a small voice.


    She was so focused on finishing her food that she had forgotten to wipe her mouth.


    Lucian looked at her blushing face. Then as if on a whim, he rested his fingers on her face and leaned


    over to her so that they were looking at each other, eye to eye.


    ''Oh my God, what is he doing?''


    She could feel Lucian''s light breath on her face as his mint perfume wafted over her nose.


    Lucia was a very handsome man. As much as she wanted to remain calm, she couldn''t. She just


    couldn''t remain indifferent.


    Amelia was so nervous that her whole body was shaking. She was afraid that if Lucian approached her


    again, she wouldn''t know what to do.


    Lucian''s eyes mesmerized her. She felt frozen in ce as his eyes prated into hers.


    "Amelia, are you..." Lucian squinted at her, shing a small smile.


    "I didn''t... Ah!" She wanted to exin herself but when she looked up, she was taken aback by how


    close Lucian''s face was to hers.


    Though it was just for a brief second, their lips had touched and Amelia could feel an electric current


    run through her body. She was stunned, unable to move for a while.


    The kiss was just an ident. To Lucian, it wasn''t a big deal. He merely gazed back at her, observing


    her reactions.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    "Ahem, it''s time for work," Amelia whispered in a low voice, still flushing.


    Lucian couldn''t stop himself from grinning at Amelia''s attempt to act natural. He went to the leather sofa


    and proceeded to peruse through his documents. In reality, he couldn''t concentrate on what he was


    reading because he couldn''t stop thinking about the kiss.


    Amelia''s lips felt so soft and she smelled of jasmine which just captivated him.


    At that moment, Amelia felt her face burning even more than yesterday when Fannie had pped her.


    All she wanted to do was work but she couldn''t concentrate because she couldn''t stop thinking about


    the idental kiss that she had just shared with Lucian.


    Amelia spent the whole day in a daze. Fortunately, Lucian left her alone for the entire day so she was


    able to calm herself down.


    "Let''s go." Lucian looked at Amelia and gestured to the all the files that were scattered on her desk. He


    said, "Clean those up first."


    "Okay." Amelia was so scared that she tried to move as quickly as possible. When she finished, she


    realized that Lucian was still there. Her voice a faint whisper, she said, "You... What are you still doing


    here?"

 Chapter 26 An Unexpected Kiss

    Chapter 26 An Unexpected Kiss


    As Lucian''s eyes dimmed in indifference, he said coldly, "What would you do if I left?"


    If he had said that in a different way, it would be touching instead it sounded more like he was growing


    impatient.


    Lucian was acting so strangely. Didn''t the woman say that she was going to see Lucian that night? It


    was only natural for Amelia to assume that he wasn''ting home with her.


    "I''m going straight home after work. I can take a taxi. Don''t you have a date tonight? Won''t she get mad


    if you''rete?" Amelia said sarcastically, averting her gaze.


    "Do I sense some jealousy?" Lucian said coolly.


    Amelia could tell that he was just being sarcastic.


    "So childish!" With that, she picked up her bag and turned to leave.


    Lucian sat on the sofa and smiled happily to himself.


    In the elevator, Amelia stared nkly into nowhere, her back sweating profusely.


    The silence in the elevator induced Amelia to think about the kiss again. She was so caught up in her


    own thoughts that she hadn''t realized that Lucian was already standing behind her.


    Thest time Lucian kissed her was in front of Fannie and Nichs. At that time, she wasn''t very


    pleased with him. While he was handsome, she found that kiss to bepletely unnecessary.


    However, today, she felt different. Her heart was beating faster and she felt restless. It was as if she


    couldn''t hold herself together in front of him.


    "Here we are," Lucian said inly.


    Amelia was trembling, still feeling a bit embarrassed.


    She couldn''t sit still because she couldn''t shake off the feeling that the entire city was making fun of


    her.


    The moment they walked out of the building, Amelia noticed a woman in red waving excitedly at


    Lucian, grinning from ear to ear.


    Amelia attempted to put some distance between her and Lucian to avoid the awkwardness, not wanting


    to cause any trouble.


    Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    Most people were getting off work around this time. While Amelia stood in front of the building idly,


    people stared at her just like they did that morning. However, this time, she wasn''t getting off a


    luxurious car which caused her some anxiety. She wondered what other people say about her.


    "Lucian, I''ve been waiting for you for half an hour." The moment Lucian approached the woman, the


    woman warmly embraced him and passionately kissed him. What a sweet scene.


    Amelia pursed her lips and looked away. ''Lucian may be handsome but he could never make up his


    mind. I sure don''t want to date someone like that,'' she thought to herself.


    "What? Why is Sasha kissing Mr. Lucian in front of Mrs. Amelia? How dare she?" a womanmented


    as she passed by Amelia.


    "Keep your voice down. Mr. Lucian might hear you and he could fire you," her colleague responded,


    tugging at her sleeve. Then she whispered, "Sashaes from a very wealthy family too. She''s known


    Mr. Lucian since forever. If it weren''t for his mother, they probably would''ve gotten married already!"


    The female employee deliberately said mysteriously, but her words were clearly heard by Amelia.


    Her heart skipped a beat and she was inexplicably sad.


    She suddenly felt all her justifications and excuses copse.


    Even though they were just acting, she still cared, didn''t she?


    No wonder Lucian didn''te backst night. They were getting along. Could Lucian be ending their


    deal already?


    She had been looking forward to this moment for a long time already but now that it was here, she


    really didn''t know what to do.


    "What are you thinking about?" Noticing that Amelia hadn''t followed him, Lucian walked over to her and


    grabbed her by the arm. He led her toward Sasha and introduced them, "Sasha, this is my assistant,


    Amelia."


    "Hello." Sasha greeted Amelia with a big smile on her face. Amelia couldn''t help but think, ''Is she a


    model? She''s sexy and she has that gorgeous smile. She looks like a queen!''


    It was no wonder that Lucian liked her. Who wouldn''t be charmed by such a beautifuldy like Sasha?


    "Hello," Amelia said in a low voice as she reached out her hand timidly. On the inside, she was already


    panicking.


    "Lucian, your assistant is very beautiful," Sashamented, still smiling.


    It seemed that Sasha didn''t know about her deal with Lucian. If she knew, she probably wouldn''t be as


    kind to her.


    "Thank you." Amelia was a little embarrassed. Since Lucian introduced her as his assistant, this meant


    that she had no reason to stay there and be the third wheel. Lucian obviously wasn''t going to tell Sasha


    that he was married. She took advantage of the brief pause and said, "Mr. Lucian, Ms. Sasha, I need to


    leave. Enjoy yourselves tonight."


    She smiled very sincerely. Before Lucian could speak, she had already turned to leave.


    When she''d crossed the street, she heaved a sigh of relief followed immediately by a wave of sadness.


    She sat on the tform, feeling distressed.


    It turned out that Lucian was already in love with someone else. No wonder he was so anxious about


    their deal. He only wanted to get his mother to shut up so he could wait for his true love to return home.


    It seems that his fake marriage to Amelia was his way of buying time before Sasha came home.


    She couldn''t help but feel used by Lucian. However, when she recalled her original intention in


    agreeing to this deal, she realized that she too had used Lucian in her own way.


    If she truly helped in getting Sasha and Lucian back together then she wanted the credit for it.


    Amelia decided to think of this whole situation in this perspective to give herself some relief. It was still


    pretty early so she called up Courtney and invited her to have dinner at the hot pot restaurant. Then


    she sent a message to Lily telling her that she wasn''ting home for dinner.


    When evening fell, the streetlights shone the streets that were jam-packed with cars and people.


    Amelia and Courtney sat on the street, each holding their own cocktail and a stick of barbecue. They


    chatted as they ate and drank.


    "Amelia, can you imagine what would happen if you showed up on the front page of newspapers


    looking like this?" Courtney guffawed at the sight of Amelia¡ªsitting on the streets, mouth covered in oil


    and chili paste.


    "That''s right. Ady of the Zhan family is out on the streets!" Amelia joked.


    "Don''t worry. They definitely already have a photo of you and it''s going to be all over the news


    tomorrow. At least, the barbecue shop''s going to get some exposure! It''ll be a big hit!" Courtney


    responded, letting her imagination run wild.


    They originally nned to have hot pot for dinner but the restaurant was so crowded that they had to


    resort to eating barbecue in the streets.


    "By the way, is Kent working in the Zhan Group now?" Amelia stayed in her office pretty much the


    entire day. The building was so huge that there was almost no chance of her meeting him.


    "He reported to the HR department yesterday. I heard he did pretty well." Courtney lifted her ss of


    cocktail and said with a smile, "Let''s drink to that! To happy lives in the future!"


    Happy life... To Amelia, that phrase was practically meaningless.


    She was already jaded from her mother''s death and Jasper cheating on her didn''t really help with that


    either.


    She never really actively searched for happiness or maybe she just hadn''t met someone who would


    make her happy.


    "Cheers!" She raised her ss to her mouth and started downing her drink.


    Courtney however seemed shocked. She asked, "Are you not happy, Amelia?"


    "Why would I be unhappy?" She wiped the wine stain on her lips with the back of her hand, looking


    very calm.


    "Then why did you just chug your drink? Isn''t Lucian going to get mad at you if he sees you this


    drunk?" Courtney had assumed that while Amelia had the freedom to drink, getting drunk was an


    entirely different thing.


    After all, the Zhan family had a lot of rules. She was just worried about what would happen to Amelia if


    she broke any of them.


    "We''ve known each other for years. I know you don''t like being controlled by other people and I don''t


    really know how well the Zhan family is treating you. I guess all I''m trying to say is that if you''re not


    happy, please tell me. While I won''t be able to do anything about it, I can at least offer you my home.


    You''re free to stay with me if you want," Courtney said sincerely, looking at Amelia who was already


    drunk¡ªthe flushing of her cheeks gave her away.


    "Thanks," Amelia choked out, feeling a lump in her throat. She suddenly realized that Courtney was all


    grown up now. Courtney wasn''t the same girl she was ten years ago.


    Amelia knew she had to face whatever was going on in her life head on. This was the only way she


    was going to grow.


    Amelia was sober enough to hail a taxi. Courtney was still concerned about her. She walked toward her


    and tried to support her. "Where''s your phone? I''ll call Lucian and ask him to pick you up."


    "Please don''t!" Amelia stopped her immediately. She paused and said, "He has an important


    appointment tonight. I can take a taxi home."


    She dug her nails into her palm as a way of waking herself up.


    "You took several bottles of wine when I wasn''t looking. I''m sorry but I just can''t let you go home by


    yourself." Courtney wasn''tfortable with Amelia taking a taxi by herself so she offered, "Why don''t


    you stay at my house tonight?"


    "I have to go to work tomorrow," Amelia exined, shaking her head.


    Although the SJ Garden wasn''t exactly her real home, she just wanted to go there right now. She


    wanted to go to the ce where Iris''s portrait rested.


    "Well, you''re married now after all. You''re not my responsibility anymore. I''m just your friend," Courtney


    finally conceded. When they had sessfully hailed a taxi, she gave the taxi driver a few reminders


    before sending Amelia off.


    Amelia was indeed drunk but not drunk enough to not know what happened when she arrived at the


    door of the vi in SJ Garden. She felt her stomach churning as she leaned against the door for


    support, getting ready to vomit. Suddenly, a hand grabbed her wrist. Frightened, she raised her head


    and tried to level herself to prevent herself from vomiting. The bile got stuck in her throat making it


    harder for her to breathe.


    The tears in her eyes reflected the moon, making it seem like dazzling stars emitting a faint but pure


    light.

 Chapter 27 She Is Lucians Girlfriend

    Chapter 27 She Is Lucian''s Girlfriend


    "Lucian... Aren''t you... I thought you were out with your girlfriend?" Amelia asked drunkenly as she


    looked at the man in front of her.


    Then she finally vomited.


    Lucian kept quiet as he rubbed Amelia''s back. He helped her stand up when she was finished throwing


    up.


    Amelia felt as if she was floating before she fell into Lucian''s arms.


    Suddenly, all she could feel was softness.


    "Prepare some honey water for Mrs. Amelia." She was already lying on the bed when a cold voice


    came from behind her.


    Despite her drunkenness, she still had a pretty good idea what was going on.


    Having assumed that Lucian wouldn''te home that night, thest thing she expected to find when


    she arrived home was, well, Lucian.


    She recalled how when she first met him, she was drunk too. However,pared to their encounter


    then, this was nothing at all.


    "Take off her clothes and put her in pajamas." He was standing in the living room, seemingly about to


    head out.


    "No... I''m not taking my clothes off." While Amelia heard the voice, she didn''t open her eyes. She


    thought it was Lucian who was going to help her change out of her clothes thus her refusal to


    cooperate.


    "Mrs. Amelia, you got some vomit on your clothes. You''ll sleep better if you change out of your dirty


    clothes," Lily said gently. She wanted to hear Amelia''s approval first before doing anything.


    "Lily..." Amelia nodded her head.


    "Mr. Lucian, Mrs. Amelia has changed her clothes."


    "Okay." Lucian nodded, his eyes cold as ever as he looked toward Amelia who was lying in bed.


    When she vomited, she got rid of all the alcohol she had drunk that night. As shey in bed, she kept


    tossing and turning, throwing off her quilt as she felt quite hot.


    As Lucian watched her, he trotted over, brows furrowed, looking grim.


    "Don''t throw the quilt off." Lucian covered her with the quilt again as he sat on the edge of the bed. It


    wasn''t until she had stopped tossing and turning did he finally leave.


    When Amelia woke up, it was already the noon of the next day. She squinted her eyes and rubbed her


    forehead, feeling a bit dizzy. Suddenly, something dawned on her, she immediately sat up and looked


    out of the window. "Shit! I''mte for work!" she cursed to herself.


    "Are you awake, Mrs. Amelia?" Lily walked into the bedroom with food in her hands. When she noticed


    that Amelia seemed to be panicking, she said, "Mrs. Amelia, I''ve already washed your clothes."


    "Washed?" She was shocked and she hadn''t realized that she had slept in Lucian''s room that night.


    "Yes, it seems you were drunkst night so Mr. Lucian carried you to the room," Lily exined,


    nodding.


    Amelia tried to rack her brain for any recollection of this.


    Everything was a haze but she seemed to remember someone holding her and talking... She looked at


    her pajamas and cried, "Then... What about my clothes?"


    Did Lucian help her change into her pajamas?


    "You vomited all over yourselfst night. Mr. Lucian asked me to change your clothes for you." Lily was


    a bit confused. Why would she panic at the thought of her own husband changing her clothes? Lily


    couldn''t help butugh at her. "Mrs. Amelia, Mr. Lucian is a good man. Any woman would kill to be in


    your spot right now but it seems you''re constantly afraid that he''ll take advantage of you."


    Amelia was a little embarrassed. It waspletely eptable for a husband to help his wife change


    out of her dirty clothes so it was definitely strange that she was acting this way.


    In order to appease Lily''s confusion, Amelia added as an exnation, "Lucian''s such a neat freak. I


    was just worried about the smell."


    "Oh, I see. You''re so considerate, Mrs. Amelia. No wonder Mr. Lucian likes you." Lily immediately


    understood what she meant. She then looked at Amelia in admiration.


    Uh... She only said that so Lily wouldn''t be suspicious. She didn''t mean for ite out that way.


    "Where''s Lucian?" While she knew that Lucian was probably at work, she still had to ask.


    "Mr. Lucian left a note for you. Maybe you should read it first." Lily took out a piece of paper from her


    apron. Lucian had handed it to her and asked to give it to Amelia before he left for work.


    Lucian left a note for her?


    Amelia was a bit taken aback by this. Receiving a message that wasn''t electronic wasn''t really popr


    nowadays.


    Needless to say, the note piqued her curiosity.


    As Amelia unfolded the piece of paper, the color drained from her face when she was met with his


    strong and forceful handwriting. The curiosity in her was reced with shock and confusion.


    There was no way that Lucian was in his right mind. The note said that he was going to let her ruminate


    about her mistakes in front of Iris''s portrait for the rest of the day.


    "Mrs. Amelia, what''s wrong?" Lily asked out of concern when she noticed the strange look on Amelia''s


    face.


    "Uh... It''s nothing." She forced a smile as she nced at the note again. Once she was sure that she''d


    read everything right the first time, she went to the room where Iris''s portrait was.


    From behind her, she could hear Lily asking her to eat something first but she ignored her.


    She wasn''t upset because of the note. It was just that she was slowly realizing that she shouldn''t have


    drunk that muchst night. This way, she could talk to Iris and sort her emotions out.


    Initially, she was angry upon reading the note but after giving it more thought, she knew she shouldn''t


    be.


    Meanwhile, in the Zhan Group building.


    "Lucian, why didn''t you stay with mest night?" Sasha took a sip from the ss of wine she was


    holding. Then she put it down and strode towards Lucian. "I read a lot of news about you when I was


    out of the country. Don''t worry though. I''m not mad. I understand that men have their needs."


    Lucian raised his head to look at Sasha. He couldn''t ignore the wave of disappointment that he


    suddenly felt.


    Sasha seemed to have changed from living out of the country for so long.


    He preferred women who kept to themselves as opposed tovishly showing off their men on the


    streets.


    At the dinner party the other day, Sasha didn''t shy away from showing her affection to several men. At


    first, he assumed that she may have just been excited from not seeing them for a long time. However,


    after a while, he figured he was wrong.


    He''d been out of the country himself but he was never like that. He realized that he just really liked


    introverted girls more.


    At the thought of this, Amelia''s image suddenly appeared in his mind.


    Amelia always kept to herself and often jumped at the slightest movement. Whenever she was around


    him, she was shy and bashful. After their first kiss, Amelia looked so shaken and taken back. It looked


    like she wanted to scold him for it!


    The smile that appeared on Lucian''s lips was not lost on Sasha. She took that as a good sign so she


    sat on hisp and wrapped her arms around his neck and said flirtatiously, "Lucian, I don''t want to see


    you on the news with some other girl again. I should be enough for you."


    She sounded sure of herself despite the three years that had passed. Even then, Lucian still agreed to


    meet up with her which meant that he probably still had feelings for her.


    "You read the paper?" He refused to believe that such news wouldn''t make it on the paper.


    "Are you talking about your marriage?" Of course, Sasha had read that. That was what made her fly


    back in the first ce.


    "Yes and you met my wife yesterday," he said coolly. He untangled Sasha''s hands that were wrapped


    around his neck and stood up, effectively pushing Sasha off him. In a serious tone, he said, "I have a


    wife now, Miss Sasha, so it''s best that you behave yourself."


    Sasha''s body went stiff. She stood there in a daze. She couldn''t believe what Lucian had just said.


    Three years ago, Fannie talked down to her as if she was nothing but a piece of trash. It hurt her so


    much that she left the country. Before she left, Lucian promised her that he would do something about


    it to make it up to her.


    Marrying Lucian and bing a member of the Zhan family had always been a dream of hers.


    "Miss Sasha? Lucian, you''ve never called me by my name before... " Looking at the cold look on


    Lucian''s face, Sasha''s heart ached. She felt like her heart was ripped out of her body.


    If she lost Lucian, her dream of marrying into a wealthy family would be shattered.


    Then who was going to make up for all the humiliation and pain she had suffered in the past three


    years?


    "I admit that my original intention in marrying Amelia was to avoid an arranged marriage set up by my


    parents but it wasn''t entirely for you." As much as Lucian felt sorry for her, he still had to prioritize


    himself.


    "Lucian, don''t tell me you like her!" Anger was written all over Sasha''s face.


    Lucian frowned. He kept silent for a long time which made Sasha''s imagination run wild.


    "Oh great. I wonder what kind of power this woman has. She''s won you over and she''s married to you!"


    Sasha sneered. A bitter smile crept up on her face.


    "Sasha, I hope we can end this amicably. This has nothing to do with anyone else. Please leave Amelia


    alone." Lucian frowned. Although he felt bad for Sasha, he was afraid that she would take her anger


    out on Amelia.


    "Lucian, aren''t you always surrounded by women and flirting with them all the time? And here you are


    defending this Amelia girl! Can''t you see how offensive that is to me?" Sasha froze when she saw how


    nervous Lucian looked.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    "I still feel guilty whenever I remember what my mother did to you but that doesn''t mean that I love


    you." It was true that he had promised her to make it up to her three years ago. But that wasn''t a


    promise made out of love, it was a promise made out of guilt.


    "Well, it seems that I was just delusional this entire time." All the color had drained out of Sasha''s face.


    Besides the overwhelming disappointment she was feeling, she was also indescribably hurt.


    "Please let me know if you need anything, Sasha. I''ll try my best to help you. Just let me know if I could


    be of any assistance to you."


    Lucian was practically saying that he was willing to give her anything except the two things that she


    wanted: love and marriage.

 Chapter 28 I Only Want You

    Chapter 28 I Only Want You


    A wry smile appeared on Sasha''s face then she said sadly, "Lucian, I don''t want anything else except


    for you."


    With that, she stormed out of the room.


    When Lucian arrived home, he found out that Amelia immediately went to the room where her mother''s


    portrait was after reading the note he left her. Lily had said that she tried knocking on the door but


    Amelia wouldn''te out.


    Lucian''s heart sank and thought, ''When did this stupid woman be so obedient?''


    He just wanted to remind her to not get so drunk again next time and she did exactly as he had asked.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Lucian walked straight to the door. Fortunately, he had a key with him. When he opened the door, he


    saw a thin figure with her back to him, staring at the portrait on the wall, murmuring.


    "Mom, I''m sorry. I got so drunkst night. As my punishment, Lucian asked me toe here and atone


    for my sins. I think he just wanted to make fun of me but I don''t minding here and talking to you."


    He didn''t mean to punish her. He just didn''t want her to drink so much.


    "Mom, you''ve probably seen Lucian before. He''s handsome and kind. Sometimes, he can be sweet to


    me too. But what touched me the most was when he asked me toe here so you don''t feel lonely..."


    While she sounded casual, Lucian could tell that she was just pretending.


    When he thought she was done speaking, he quickly made his way over to where she was. However,


    before he could even open his mouth, she continued, "I don''t know what''s wrong with me. I was so


    upset when his girlfriend came back. I know our rtionship''s just a fake but I was still so sad then.


    And it wasn''t because I wasn''t happy with the luxurious life he was giving me, it was just that I felt so


    ufortable..."


    Amelia''s voice sounded soft and youthful. Lucian couldn''t help but find her adorable.


    Soon, a grin slowly crept unto his face, an indescribably joy filling his heart.


    "Really?" A cold voice suddenly came from behind Amelia.


    It was Lucian''s voice. What was he doing here?


    She quickly turned around to check if it really was Lucian standing behind her. When she saw him, she


    slumped to the ground, a look of horror on her face. Did he just hear everything that she had said to


    Iris?


    ''Damn it! I was so caught up in my emotions that I didn''t even notice that someone had opened the


    door ande in!''


    "Lucian, do you have manners?" she cried anxiously.


    He looked up at the ck and white portrait hoisted up on the wall and whispered, "It''s rude to yell in


    front of your mother, you know."


    Amelia was speechless. She felt so ashamed that her face turned red, refusing to get up.


    "Why? Are you embarrassed to see me here?" He bent over and pulled Amelia up.


    "I am not!" Amelia denied. However, as she thought back to everything that she''d said, shame quickly


    overcame here. She lowered her head as she tried to wriggle herself free from him but he tightened his


    grip on her.


    "I''m very strong. You can''t take me down," Lucian whispered in Amelia''s ear. His warm voice was


    smooth like butter.


    She could feel her heart beat pulsing in her ears.


    It was no easy task for a woman to resist a man. As Lucian held Amelia in his arms, she grew stiff and


    remained unmoving. This left them in an intimate position.


    "Lily told me you didn''t eat breakfast or lunch. Are you on a hunger strike?" Lucian asked lightly as he


    let Amelia go.


    In that moment, she felt as if nothing was real. She couldn''t tell if she was just dreaming or not.


    Lucian, who was often distant, seemed concerned about her. If anything, he was even patient and


    sympathetic.


    Upon hearing this, Amelia came to her senses all of a sudden. Taking a few steps back, she said


    awkwardly, "I''m not hungry."


    She was obviously lying.


    Since they were the only two people in the room, the sound of her stomach grumbling was pretty loud


    and undeniable.


    Safe to say that Amelia was pretty embarrassed.


    Frowning, Lucian pulled Amelia over and said, "Come on, let''s eat dinner."


    He sounded very serious.


    Amelia didn''t refuse him. Even though she really didn''t want to eat dinner with him, she was starving so


    she had no choice.


    "Mm, chili chicken, pickled fish..." Amelia beamed as Lily ced all the dishes on the table. She picked


    up her chopsticks and said, "Thank you so much, Lily. These are all my favorites!"


    "Mrs. Amelia, you don''t have to thank me. Thank Mr. Lucian. He''s the one who told me that you liked


    spicy food. He asked me not to add too much chili though so I cooked two dishes. Please enjoy them,"


    Lily said with an easy tone.


    ''Lucian?'' She frowned and looked up¡ªLucian had moved his chair so he was sitting across her.


    ''Is he going to watch me eat?'' she thought in a panic.


    "Lily, could you bring me some utensils and a bowl of my own? I''d like to have dinner with Mrs. Amelia."


    A low voice came from the other end of the table.


    Did she hear that wrong? Did he say that he wanted to have dinner with her?


    "Okay." Lily turned around and headed to the kitchen. When she returned, she was holding a bowl and


    a set of chopsticks which she ced in front of Lucian. She then said, "Mrs. Amelia, I remember you


    told me that you don''t like eating alone because it bores you. I mentioned it to Mr. Lucian once and he


    remembered! That''s so sweet! He''s so in love with you!"


    ''It looks like... Lily told Lucian what I said. I think I trusted her too much,'' she thought inwardly.


    However, Lily was hired by Lucian so it was no surprise that she would tell him stuff about Amelia.


    Amelia only said that because she wanted Lily to have dinner with her and not because she was


    comining that Lucian wasn''t keeping herpany for dinner.


    Not knowing what to say, she lowered her head and helped herself to the food. She hadn''t realized how


    hungry she was until she began eating.


    "Eat slowly or you''ll choke." A ss of water was suddenly ced right in front of her.


    Amelia looked up and met Lucian''s eyes.


    His eyes seemed different as if the all coldness was gone and reced with gentleness and sincerity.


    "Thank you," she mumbled awkwardly.


    Lucian let out a chuckle upon noticing the shy look she had on her face. "We''re married. Why are you


    being so polite to me?"


    "What?" Amelia was taken aback. That was thest thing she expected for him to say.


    Oh my God! Why is he acting so strangely today? He was acting and talking like apletely different


    person especially when he mentioned their marriage.


    Was he just being nice to her because they were about to part ways already?


    "Lucian, you don''t have to do this. I''m used to goodbyes. This isn''t a big deal at all," she said in a


    pretentiously calm way. In reality, her insides were in turmoil.


    She was just afraid of the separation and having to adjust to a whole new life again.


    "What are you talking about? I don''t seem to understand." Lucian had a puzzled look on his face.


    Lucian was acting like he didn''t know anything so she just went straight to the point.


    "Lucian, didn''t I hear Sasha right yesterday? She''s your girlfriend, right?" Amelia asked seriously as


    she put her chopsticks down.


    Raising his eyebrows, Lucian responded with another question, "Are you jealous?"


    She was trying to have a serious conversation with him but he was dodging!


    Since she couldn''t understand what he was trying to get at, she decided to let it go. It didn''t matter


    anyway. What was important was that they ended their fake marriage already.


    "Lucian, since she''s back, then maybe it''s time for us to end this already," she said, unfazed, trying her


    best to not sound sad or upset.


    Lucian''s face darkened. He ignored what Amelia just said and said coldly, "If you''re done eating, you


    can go upstairs and write down a self-criticism review. And also, don''t you ever get drunk again without


    my permission!"


    His tone suddenly changed¡ªthe gentleness was gone and reced with anger. After he spoke, he


    turned around and stomped off.


    Left alone in the dining table, Amelia felt her heart aching.


    Lucian didn''t love her anyway so why was he trying to control her?


    She decided to just do as he said. Maybe that was the only way she could be free. There was no point


    in living like this anymore anyway.


    To Amelia, Lucian''s words were like thew. Whatever he told her to do, she obediently followed.


    After writing the self-criticism review, she knocked on Lucian''s study. With his permission, she ced


    the report on the table and said emotionlessly, "It''s the self-criticism review you asked for."


    Lucian was flipping through some documents when he suddenly stopped. He looked up at the spiritless


    Amelia and asked coldly, "I''m betting you felt terrible as you wrote that. With that in mind, why didn''t


    you think of your liver when you got drunk like that?"


    "No one thinks that way!" Amelia replied impatiently. As soon as the words left her mouth, she


    immediately regretted it.


    Why did she talk to him like that? Was she trying to sabotage herself?


    "This is great! You wrote sincerely and I appreciate that. I''ll let it go this time but just this once," Lucian


    warned after reading the report that Amelia had just submitted.


    He felt as if he was a teacher scolding his disobedient student.


    Amelia didn''t say anything. She turned around to leave when Lucian suddenly stopped her. He said,


    "It''s Saturday tomorrow. You''re free to go out and do what you want."


    Amelia was initially upset but upon hearing what Lucian had said, she grew excited. She made sure to


    not show it though in fear that Lucian would change his mind. In the most nonchnt tone she could


    muster up, she said, "Okay."


    Lucian narrowed his eyes as if he was suspicious of how calm Amelia was.


    Needless to say, Lucian was good at bringing people down but he also knew how to make them happy.


    Either way, what was important was that she had a whole day to herself! She could go out and get


    some fresh air. What she was most excited about was that she didn''t have to be under his watch for the


    first time in a long time.

 Chapter 29 Call Me Honey

    Chapter 29 Call Me Honey


    The following morning in the SJ Garden.


    Amelia got up early and immediately changed into her athletic clothes. She wore her hair up in a pony


    tail and headed downstairs. The first thing she saw was Lucian sitting on the sofa, having a cup of


    coffee.


    Amelia immediately turned sour¡ªher good moodpletely ruined. She walked towards Lucian and


    said, "Good morning, Mr. Lucian."


    Lucian looked up at Amelia and pointed to the kitchen. "Lily''s making breakfast inside. Oh and please


    call me honey."


    "Bah!" Amelia blurted out without any hesitation. Then she realized that she had overreacted, so she


    said in a low voice, "Lucian, I know you''re just doing this because you feel guilty but I really don''t want


    to be part of it."


    Whomever she was going to call honey was going to be her real husband not her fake one!


    Lucian ground his teeth. Obviously irked, he took Amelia by the hand and gripped her by the arms,


    threatening, "It''s okay if you don''t want to call me that. I can hang your photos in my bedroomter and


    if Lily asks, I can tell her that I just like to admire my wife''s sexy figure every now and then."


    "Lucian, shame on you!" Amelia was too angry to say anything else.


    "I''m your legitimate husband so now, I''m not breaking anyws. You shouldn''t be putting shame on me


    for something legal." It seemed that Lucian was ready to risk everything. Amelia could feel his hot


    breath in her ears. The warm stream sent a shiver down her spine and causing her heart to beat a mile


    a minute.


    ''Oh my God! He thinks he can do anything he wants to me just because he''s handsome!''


    However, much to her surprise, her heart did not protest at all.


    Noticing that Amelia suddenly stopped moving, Lucian felt himself weakening.


    "I''m giving you three seconds to decide. Do you want to do it or not?" Lucian threatened. As he buried


    his face, he felt Amelia''s soft and smooth skin, her scent filling his nose.


    There was just something special about Amelia.


    Upon realizing she had no choice, she said weakly, "Ho... ney..."


    Saying those two sybles made her want to bite off her own tongue.


    "What? I''m sorry but your voice is so low that I couldn''t hear you. Speak louder," Lucian pleaded, acting


    like a spoiled child.


    Amelia frowned, anger shing across her eyes.


    She didn''t even want to say it in the first ce and now he was making her repeat herself!


    "Forget it. You don''t want to do it anyway," he said in an irritated tone.


    "Honey!" she angrily shouted, her voice louder this time.


    This time, not only did Lucian hear her but also Lily who was in the kitchen at that time.


    "That''s better. I like it." Lucian was grinning as he joked, "Well, if you call me that all the time, I..."


    "Lucian, shame on you!" Amelia said indignantly, breaking away from Lucian''s embrace.


    For a moment, Lucian''s hand was frozen midair. It didn''t take long for him to regain hisposure and


    continue drinking his coffee leisurely.


    Amelia was putting on her shoes when she saw Lucian walk past her. She ignored him and just headed


    outside.


    When Amelia reached the gate, she intended to walk to a spot where she could hail a taxi however


    Lucian had beeped his horn from his Lamborghini.


    Amelia ignored him as she continued to walk.


    But he didn''t stop. He still kept beeping his horn.


    In annoyance, she stopped her tracks and looked toward the car. "Lucian, what do you want?"


    Wasn''t it him who had said that she could go out today? What is he up to again?


    "Well, I''d like to take my wife out today." Lucian didn''t have his usual indifferent look. Instead, today, he


    looked handsome and youthful, yful even.


    Amelia ground her teeth. To her, Lucian just sounded stupid every time he insisted on calling her his


    wife.


    This was just a fake marriage! Why was he trying so hard to keep up pretenses when no one was even


    around?


    "Thanks for the offer but I can take a taxi," she tantly refused.


    "Mrs. Amelia, I don''t know if you just have poorprehension skills or if I just wasn''t clear enough.


    What I meant was that we should go out today. Just the two of us. Instead of you going out by


    yourself," Lucian said nonchntly, raising his eyebrows and grinning.


    "Lucian, this is already too much!" When they first made this deal, they said that they wouldn''t meddle


    with each other''s lives as long as they weren''t in public. Now this is exactly what he was doing!


    This made her blood boil. She just wanted to smack him across the face!


    Despite Amelia being visibly annoyed, Lucian grinned and said in a nicer voice, "Just get in the car. I


    promise you that you''re going to have a good time today."


    "I don''t want to go out with you!" There was no assurance that she was going to enjoy her day if she


    spent it with him after all.


    Amelia refused without hesitation.


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    "Really? Well, since you don''t want to go out with me, why don''t you just stay here and wait for me? I''m


    going to meet Sasha. She told me she would cook me a delicious lunch and she asked me to go to her


    ce at noon." Continuing in a much more regretful tone this time, he continued, "I don''t think my wife


    would mind if I went out with other women."


    Sasha... The woman whom she saw kiss Lucian right in front of her.


    Amelia couldn''t deny the nervousness she felt.


    But after going back to the reason why Lucian initially married her, she put on a cold smile and said


    simply, "Of course not."


    Lucian''s face immediately darkened. ncing at Amelia who was smiling triumphantly now, he cursed


    inwardly, ''What a double-faced woman!''


    Last night, when she was talking to her mother, she was telling her how she couldn''t leave him and


    suddenly, she''s acting as if she didn''t care about him! What the hell did she want?


    "Great then." Lucian bit his lower lip and put on an uneasy smile.


    The smile on Amelia''s face disappeared as she watched the car speed off and disappear. Her heart


    started to sink, feeling her stomach tie into knots. She couldn''t deny that she was hurt.


    Lucian only said that to make Amelia mad. Just as he was about to turn the car back around, his phone


    suddenly started ringing. Upon picking it up, he saw that it was Sasha calling. He frowned, not wanting


    to answer it. However, when he thought of all the terrible things his mother did and said to her, he


    decided to answer the call.

 Chapter 30 Ex-girlfriend And Wife, Which One Do You Choose

    Chapter 30 Ex-girlfriend And Wife, Which One Do You Choose


    "Lucian? Can youe here? I... I have acute gastroenteritis. It''s so painful that I can''t even walk..."


    Sasha''s voice sounded very weak on the phone.


    "Okay," Lucian agreed, eyebrows knitted together.


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    He put the car in reverse and saw Amelia''s figure from the rearview mirror. mming his foot on the


    brakes, he said urgently, "Get in the car. I need to deal with something."


    This confused Amelia thoroughly. If he had something to do then why would she need to get in the car?


    Did it have something to do with her father?


    "How''s my father?" Amelia blurted out as soon as she got in the car.


    With his eyebrows furrowed, Lucian said indifferently, "Your father''s fine. It''s Sasha."


    Amelia was relieved to hear this. However, if anything, she was even more confused now. What did


    Amelia have anything to do with this?


    "Why don''t you just go there? Why do you have to take me with you?" she pressed.


    "Can you just be quiet?" There was a hint of coldness in Lucian''s voice. It seemed that he wasn''t in the


    mood to talk.


    Amelia closed her mouth and kept it shut for the rest of the car ride.


    She snorted to herself, ''Why does he have to take me with him? Wouldn''t his girlfriend be jealous if she


    saw me with him?''


    Amelia intended to get off the car when they arrived at the downtown area however Lucian just kept


    driving the car until they reached a quiet residential area.


    The area seemed like a nice ce to live as it had trees everywhere and even the air here seemed


    fresher.


    Getting off the car first, Lucian turned around and said to Amelia, "Go up with me."


    "Okay," Amelia didn''t know what was going on but Lucian seemed a little worried so she just followed


    behind him.


    On the sixth floor of building B.


    Lucian stood in front of the door and knocked. After a while, the door was opened.


    "Lucian, you''re finally here..." Sasha pulled him in for a hug and a kiss.


    ''Oh my God! Did Lucian ask me toe here so I could watch him make out with his girlfriend?''


    Even though it was Sasha who had pulled him in for a hug and a kiss, he still didn''t refuse and that said


    something.


    After which, Sasha buried her head in his chest.


    "Are you all right?" Lucian''s voice was cold and emotionless.


    It was so strange to see him treat his girlfriend like this.


    "Lucian, it hurts..." Sasha whined. She grabbed Lucian''s hand and intimately led it to her stomach.


    They seem to have forgotten that Amelia was there.


    Amelia felt a little embarrassed. Just as she was about to turn to leave, Lucian suddenly said, "Amelia,


    Dr. Chen''s number is on my phone. Could you kindly give him a call for me?"


    Uh... She couldn''t believe that Lucian spoke to her. Wouldn''t his girlfriend be jealous?


    "Okay," Amelia replied awkwardly.


    Meanwhile, Sasha''s face turned white as a sheet.


    "Lucian, don''t bother. I have medicine here. It hurt so bad a while ago that I couldn''t stand up but I''m


    feeling much better now," Sasha stammered. It was quite obvious that Sasha was just faking it. She


    beamed at Amelia and said, "Thank you, Amelia."


    Amelia waved her hand and answered, "You''re wee."


    She was pleasantly surprised to find that not only was Sasha beautiful but she was also nice too.


    "Come in,e in, don''t stand outside." Sasha stretched out her hands and led her inside.


    At this moment, Amelia felt like she was a puppet being used by Lucian. She snuck a nce at Lucian


    and noticed that he didn''t seem quite too happy.


    "Amelia, my medicine''s in the drawer. Could you please grab it for me?" Sasha pleaded as she


    caressed her stomach.


    "Okay." Amelia had experienced indigestion before too so she knew how ufortable it could get.


    She handed Sasha the pills and said, "Miss Sasha, would you like me to cook some porridge for you?"


    Sasha was surprised. She looked at Lucian, not knowing what to say.


    Amelia saw that Sasha had turned to Lucian so she added, "Oh, don''t worry. Lucian''s very concerned


    about you actually. He''s probably scared to death right now. I''m going to cook you some porridge. It''ll


    be good for your stomach."


    Then she went to the kitchen.


    As Sasha watched this entire scene unfold, she let out a chuckle. She couldn''t help but think how easy


    it was to get along with Amelia.


    "Have a seat, Lucian." Sasha walked over and pulled Lucian''s arm.


    "Why did you pretend to be sick?" Lucian said coldly, his face emotionless.


    Sasha was taken aback. Feigning innocence, she said, "What are you talking about? I''m hurting right


    now..."


    All of a sudden, she threw herself into Lucian''s arms. Then acting weakly, she put Lucian''s hand on her


    chest and said pitifully, "Lucian, I lived in another country for three years. Every time I got sick, I had to


    suck it up and lie in bed all day. Now that I''m back, I know I have you with me if I get sick. I just want to


    see you all the time. When I see you, I feel like the pain goes away..."


    Amelia was about to ask if she could put some mushrooms in the porridge however upon seeing


    Lucian and Sasha in such an intimate position, she held her tongue and let them be.


    She then decided on her own to just put mushrooms in the porridge since it was good for


    gastroenteritis.


    Sasha couldn''t help but be proud as she watched Amelia in the kitchen.


    Lucian then said,


    "Well, since you''re not feeling well, why don''t you go lie down first?" Sasha''s brief mention of living


    abroad made Lucian feel guilty all over again.


    The moment Sasha pounced on him, he didn''t push her away.


    After he took her to the bedroom, Lucian intended to go to the kitchen to see how Amelia was doing.


    However, Sasha grasped his wrist and refused to let him go.


    "Sasha, please don''t!" At this moment, he just wanted to check on Amelia.


    Lucian had assumed that Sasha would freak out if she saw that Amelia was with him but that wasn''t


    what happened. It seemed that Sasha didn''t even mind that Amelia was there much to his annoyance.


    "Lucian, I know you''re married but you should at least give me time to process all of this." Tears welled


    up in her eyes as she continued, "Can we still be friends? Even if we can''t be together, you can''t leave


    me. You''re the only family I have."


    Lucian didn''t feel bad for her at all. He said, "Just rest well. I''ll go and check on Amelia."


    This didn''t sit well with Sasha. Grabbing the hem of Lucian''s clothes, she begged, "Lucian, please. Just


    stay with me for a while."


    Frowning, Lucian merely stood still letting Sasha pull him towards her.


    Sasha thought that Lucian would at least sit down and apany her for a while. She didn''t expect


    him to leave right away. Her heart sank at the thought of this but she refused to give up.


    "Lucian, I love you so much. I never regretted anything. I don''t care that your mother did and said all


    those things to me. I don''t me you for that. I don''t think that you''re a heartless person. You wouldn''t


    leave me," Sasha sobbed. She truly looked pitiful with tears streaming down her face. She moved to


    close in the distance between her and Lucian.


    Burying her head in his arms, she breathed in his scent and his warmth.


    Bravely, she blurted out, "Lucian, I love you. I love you so much!"


    Her voice was raised a few octaves higher as if she was excited.


    Meanwhile, Amelia had just finished cooking the porridge and was just about to knock on their door.


    However, when she heard them, she stopped in her tracks. Trembling, she recalled thest time she


    caught Ynda and Jasper together.


    But it was different this time. This time, her heart ached so bad that she felt as if everything was


    spinning.

 Chapter 31 Does he Fall In Love With Someone Else

    Chapter 31 Does he Fall In Love With Someone Else


    Amelia bit her lower lip and quietly retreated her steps, not wanting to disturb the seemingly loving


    couple.


    When she left, she couldn''t ignore the overwhelming sadness that she was feeling. It didn''t help that


    tears were falling down her face too.


    It was a nice day outside. As she walked, she felt the cold wind blowing in her face. Trembling in her


    thin coat, she didn''t expect for today to be a chilly one. She thought that by now she would be sweating


    buckets.


    She stood at the corner of the street and looked at the busy city. Suddenly, she wondered where she


    should go.


    She pulled up Courtney''s number on her phone, hesitating for a while. They had just seen each other


    the other night after all. That night, Courtney expressed her worries about how Amelia was acting. Who


    knows what Courtney would do if she saw Amelia like this? She might even confront Lucian!


    With that, she decided that she wasn''t going to tell Courtney about her deal with Lucian. She just


    thought it was better that less people knew about it and she also just didn''t want Courtney to worry


    about her.


    Suddenly, her phone buzzed startling her that she almost dropped her phone. It was Lucian calling.


    A bitter smile emerged on her lips. ''Why is he thinking of me while he''s with his girlfriend?''


    For some reason, she felt sad. Even though she knew that her marriage with Lucian was just fake, she


    still cared about their rtionship.


    When her phone stopped ringing, she sent Lucian a text message that wrote, "I''m going shopping.


    Enjoy your day with Sasha."


    After that, she took a deep breath. When she was about to cross the street, her phone vibrated again.


    It was Lucian calling again. She rejected the call without hesitation.


    If Lucian called again, she was going to turn off her phone so he couldn''t call again.


    She didn''t even know why she wasn''t answering his calls.


    As much as she wanted Lucian to be happy with Sasha, there was still a part of her that felt sad.


    When she recalled what she had told Iris, she felt distressed. It didn''t help that Lucian had overheard


    her too.


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    Who wouldn''t be embarrassed? She practically confessed her love to a man but was rejected


    ruthlessly.


    She walked on the streets aimlessly. When her cell phone rang again, she frowned impatiently. Just as


    she was about to reject the call, she saw that it was Courtney calling this time.


    ''Should I answer it?'' She sniffed and tried to calm herself down.


    "Hello, Courtney." She picked up the phone and answered it in a calm voice.


    "Amelia, are you free now? If you''re free, do you want toe over and help me in the shop? The


    ce is packed and I have so many things to do!" Courtney said anxiously on the phone.


    "Okay," Amelia agreed so she could forget about the hurt she was feeling and at the same time, she


    could even help her good friend.


    It was the weekend so the ce was filled with customers. This wasn''t the first time that Amelia was


    helping out, she used to do this before and she''d be in charge of greeting the guests and taking their


    orders.


    For a while, Amelia temporarily forgot about Sasha and Lucian since she was so busy with helping


    Courtney in her shop.


    Sitting in a daze at the bar counter, Courtney pushed over a ss of lemonade to Amelia and asked


    curiously, "Amelia, what are you thinking? Looks like your mind''s elsewhere."


    "What? Really?" Amelia didn''t even know what she was feeling. All she knew was that she couldn''t be


    cheered up.


    "Your eyes are red. It looks like you just cried," Courtney pointed out as she came closer to Amelia.


    "I guess I didn''t sleep wellst night," she exined hurriedly, averting her gaze.


    It was true that she had just cried; she just didn''t expect that it would be obvious.


    "Amelia, why do I always feel like you have something on your mind?" Courtney eyed Amelia,


    scrutinizing her.


    Amelia wasn''t really good at lying which was why she was so flustered when Courtney started


    questioning her. Stirring her drink uneasily, she felt as if her heart was going to jump out of her chest in


    nervousness.


    "Oh, Courtney, do you get paranoid again?" Amelia rolled her eyes and changed the topic. "Did you


    send me a message yesterday telling me that Kent proposed to you? Tell me all about it! How did he do


    it?"


    "Well, he bought me a ring, got down on his knee, asked me to marry him, and promised to love me


    forever," Courtney squealed, blushing in excitement.


    "So sweet!" Amelia rolled her eyes but only to tease Courtney. She really was genuinely happy for her.


    "You know, Kent really does adore you. You''re practically his queen. He cares for you so much. You


    can''t let him down!"


    Throughout Kent and Courtney''s rtionship, Amelia had always been there. She was so happy to


    finally see them end up together.


    "Hey, are you really my best friend? Why aren''t you worried about me? What if marrying Kent isn''t a


    good idea after all?" Courtney pretended to be aggrieved.


    Amelia yed along. She responded in a sarcastic tone, "Well, everyone knows Kent has a good


    temper. You''re the only one for him."


    "You''re right. He''s very even-tempered. That''s why I like him!" Courtney agreed enthusiastically, her


    eyes shining.


    Amelia took a sip of lemonade and asked, frowning, "Why is it so sour?"


    "It''s not the drink. Maybe that''s how you feel." It seemed that Courtney forgot to add sugar in her drink.


    She grabbed the ss from Amelia forcefully. "Look at you! You''re so thin! You need more sugar in


    your body to get a little fat in you or else Lucian isn''t even going to want to look at you!"


    "Courtney!" Amelia rolled her eyes at her.


    Thanks to Courtney, Lucian was back in Amelia''s mind. Now she couldn''t stop thinking about him again


    along with Sasha and how intimate they were with each other earlier.


    Amelia furrowed her eyebrows together as she pondered on this thought. This immediately put her in a


    sour mood just like the lemonade she was drinking.


    "That''s okay, you know. You''re married and you live with him. Why do you have to pretend in front of


    me?" With a disapproving look on her face, Courtney approached Amelia and asked curiously, "Amelia,


    what about Lucian? Is he in good shape? He has to be good in bed, right?"


    She didn''t expect that Courtney could ask such a straightforward question.


    Amelia was about to lose it. She red at Courtney and said angrily, "Courtney, when did you be


    so flirtatious?"


    Courtney shrugged her shoulders, and with a helpless look, she said bitterly, "I''m going to be a wife


    soon, right? So I have to get a few tips from you."


    ''But nothing happened between me and Lucian. We just kissed by ident. That''s the most intimate


    thing we''ve done.''


    As Amelia thought of this, her cheeks flushed and her heart started racing.


    "Wow, you blushed. Looks like you''re happily married," Courtney teased.


    Growing irritated by Courtney, Amelia grew serious as she stared at Courtney and said, "Fine! Say


    whatever you want!" As soon as the words left her mouth, she pounced on Courtney, failing to notice


    the man that had just walked in.


    "Ah, Amelia, you look so thin but you''re heavy!" Courtneyined.


    Lucian, wearing his crisp suit, had just walked inside the shop and was watching Amelia and Courtney


    who were tussling with each other on the floor.


    "It''s called potential. You said something I didn''t like so now I''m going to teach you a lesson!" Amelia


    clenched her fists and acted as if she was going to throw a punch at Courtney.


    Courtney was facing the entrance of the shop so when she tried to wriggle herself free, she glimpsed a


    handsome man standing by the door. Wait, why does he look familiar?


    Courtney didn''t have to look twice. Once she recognized the man, she said hurriedly, "Amelia, your


    husband is here!"


    Husband? It took for a while for Amelia to understand what was happening. At first, she thought


    Courtney was just trying to distract her so she gritted her teeth. "Don''t try to distract me! He''s


    somewhere else right now! "


    Lucian was spending time with Sasha. Why would hee here? That was impossible.


    She loosened her grip on Courtney. Gone was her energy and it was reced with loneliness and


    sadness. Absentmindedly, shemented, "Howe women can be so faithful while men run


    around with so many different women?"


    As Lucian was making some gesture that Courtney couldn''t quite understand, she turned her attention


    to Amelia and asked, "Why? Is Lucian in love with someone else?"


    As soon as the question came out, Courtney''s face turned pale with fear.


    She had to ask since Amelia wouldn''t just mention something like that out of nowhere if it had no basis.


    Courtney''s words hit Amelia like a truck. But it wasn''t as if Lucian had fallen in love with another


    woman, it was that Lucian never had feelings for Amelia in the first ce. He was merely getting back


    together with the woman he truly loved and that was Sasha.


    This left Amelia unable to answer Courtney''s question.


    "Get up." Amelia then let go of Courtney and reached out a hand to help her up.

 Chapter 32 Not A Confession

    Chapter 32 Not A Confession


    "Amelia, this is getting odd. Every time I ask you something, you don''t answer it and you just change


    the topic!" Courtney seemed disappointed as she spoke.


    "Well, then just don''t..." Amelia''s voice trailed off. She turned only to find in horror that Lucian was


    standing by the door. In utter shock, she raised her hand and covered her mouth.


    Wasn''t he supposed to be with Sasha taking care of her? What was he doing here?


    "Amelia, I was supposed to tell you but we were ying around and I was out of breath and..."


    Courtney exined bashfully upon seeing the look on Amelia''s face.


    Amelia pursed her lips and immediately flushed when she remembered what she had been doing just


    now. ''Did Lucian see all of that? Was he turned off?'' she thought to herself in a panic.


    "Why didn''t you answer your phone?" Lucian said in a cold voice. He sounded displeased with her.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Rendered speechless, Amelia wondered why he would even bring her to a date with his girlfriend in the


    first ce. However, since Courtney was still standing by her side, she answered calmly, "I put my


    phone on silent mode so I didn''t know that you were calling."


    ''She says she put her phone on silent mode but she was able to reject the calls?'' he thought to himself.


    Lucian was inexplicably angry. He pulled her towards him and said expressionlessly, "Let''s go. We''re


    going home."


    Startled by this, it didn''t take much effort for Lucian to pull Amelia.


    Courtney watched this entire scene unfold in fear. She hurriedly said, "Lucian, what are you going to


    do?"


    Lucian stopped, turned to look at Courtney and said, "Thank you."


    Thank you? Amelia was understandably confused. Why would Lucian thank Courtney?


    It took a while for Amelia to put the pieces together. She should have thought earlier why Courtney


    would ask for her help when the shop had few customers.


    It was because Lucian had called Courtney first before she did Amelia. What kind of friend was


    Courtney?


    Upon seeing the apologetic look on Courtney''s face, Amelia knew then that her hunch was right.


    When Lucian had sessfully forced her into the car, the first thing that came out of her mouth was,


    "Aren''t you supposed to be with your girlfriend right now? What''s wrong with you?"


    "Amelia, are you stupid?" Lucian asked in a cold voice.


    What?! How dare he call her stupid?


    Amelia waspletely irritated. "You''re a yboy! I can''t believe I married a yboy like you! I even


    came with you to visit your girlfriend! I made porridge for her! How dare you!"


    Finally, she was able to let it all out.


    "Amelia, are you jealous?" With a mocking smile on his face, Lucian suddenly mmed his foot on the


    brakes. He then said matter-of-factly, "You''re jealous of me and Sasha."


    Amelia felt her heart twist in pain.


    She lowered her head to avert his gaze, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment. Her heartbeat


    quickened and her palms were sweaty¡ªshe''d been exposed.


    He was right. She was indeed jealous. She would never admit it though. Nothing in the world could


    make her confess her love to Lucian. It didn''t help that Lucian was a public figure whom every woman


    practically swooned ever. She''d rather keep her feelings to herself.


    "Don''t be so narcissistic. I just... I just don''t understand why you still want to keep up this fake marriage


    when you already have someone you love!" she stuttered, her face still red in embarrassment.


    Lucian raised his eyebrows. Noticing the nervousness on Amelia''s face, a meaningful smile shed in


    his face. "Falling in love and getting married are two different things."


    "What? Are you enjoying the feeling of having both a wife and a mistress at the same time?" Amelia


    posed doubtfully.


    He was trying to make it easier for her to understand what he was feeling.


    So this question by Amelia amused him. He couldn''t help but wonder why she was always


    misunderstanding him.


    He grabbed her so that they were looking into each other''s eyes then he said slowly, "You need to


    remember that you''re my wife."


    What was he talking about? Amelia was his wife but their marriage was fake. But... Upon hearing this,


    she was so stunned that her heart seemed to stop beating.


    "Lucian, can you stop acting like this? Even though I had a bad rtionship, that doesn''t mean that I''m


    going to spend the rest of my life alone. Your girlfriend''s back so I should leave! What''s the point of all


    of this?" She was so angry that she almost finished her words without gasping. She didn''t want to y


    this silly role any more.


    "The reason why yourst rtionship was not good was that you didn''t meet me. Now you have met


    me. I''m afraid it''s hard for you to realize the wish of being lonely for the rest of your life." Lucian


    scooted closer to her so that there was very little distance left between them. Amelia could feel his hot


    breath on her face as she averted his gaze in a panic.


    Lucian''s voice was like music to her ears. His sincerity made Amelia''s brain go nk and her body


    weaken like jelly. Frozen in ce, she was rendered speechless.


    Sensing the hesitation in Amelia, Lucian put on a triumphant smile and purposely joked, "Wow, Amelia,


    you look great!"


    Although he made it sound like a joke, he really didn''t mean it that way. He genuinely thought that


    Amelia looked great.


    Amelia had a lovely face that was both gentle and graceful. Her lips were red like cherries and her eyes


    always seemed to shine. Her innocence was a rarity in all the women that he''d met. The constant


    flushing of her cheeks made his heart skip a beat.


    ''What? Is heplimenting me?'' Amelia wasn''t really the type of person to bask in praises and


    compliments so one can only imagine her shock when Lucian himself told her she looked great.


    Amelia chuckled to herself, her eyes fluttering in anxiety. Out of nervousness, she said, "Looks like Mr.


    Lucian''s quite a lover boy. He doesn''t shy away from romance after all."


    He was being serious and she was making fun of him!


    Eyes darkened, Lucian reached out and ced a hand at the back side of her head. Before Amelia


    could even realize what was happening, he affectionately pulled her into his arms. And touched his lips


    with hers.


    "Hmm!" Lucian covered his soft lips with hers in a way that made her whole body numb. The minute


    their lips touched, it sent an electric current throughout her body.


    Strong and gentle was their kiss.


    It wasn''t anything like their first one.


    Amelia didn''t know how long the kiss hadsted as it left her lips feeling numb. His mint scent lingered


    under her nose and she was smitten. She couldn''t believe this was happening.


    "Lucian, you..." Amelia was too stunned to say a word.


    Lucian let out a chuckle as he gazed back at her. He leaned over to her and said in a flirtatious tone,


    "Just wanted to show you that I''m not all talk."


    "What... What? Shame on you!" Amelia''s face turned red and her ears were burning. She covered half


    of her face with her one hand, trying to hide her panic.


    "Well, I don''t think that''s the proper response to someone who just kissed his wife." Lucian smiled. He


    didn''t think he did anything wrong.


    ''Damn it! Why did Lucian kiss me? And what did he mean when he said that?''


    "You''re such an idiot, Amelia!" Lucian suddenly said upon noticing the nk expression on her face.


    "Lucian, I know there are lots of women who would kill to be me right now but I''m telling you, I''m not


    one of them! I''m not interested in being a mistress so just please let me go!" Who knows what Sasha


    would have done if she had seen all of this?


    "Mrs. Amelia, are you trying to make me miserable by leaving me with just one woman in my life?"


    Lucian suggested, smiling ambiguously.


    "What the hell are you talking about?" She was utterly confused now. ''Lucian''s losing his mind! I don''t


    know what the hell he''s talking about and he''s acting more arrogant than usual.''


    It was a pity that a handsome man like Lucian would be a womanizer.


    Just earlier that day, he was being intimate with Sasha and now here he was with Amelia doing the


    exact same thing. He was flirting with her and she couldn''t for the life of her understand why.


    "Amelia, just admit it. Deep inside, you know you like me." With that, Lucian started the car engine and


    drove off.


    Amelia opened her mouth and looked at him in disbelief. After a while, she quipped, "Don''t be so full of


    yourself. I''d never like a yboy like you..."


    ''That wasn''t even convincing at all,'' she immediately thought afterward.


    She indistinctly saw Lucian''s lips curve into a smile as if he knew something she didn''t.


    The rest of their car ride was uneventful as neither of them spoke again. However, even when they


    arrived at the SJ Garden, Amelia was still uneasy.


    "Mr. Lucian, Mrs. Amelia, you''re back!" Lily took the bag Lucian was holding and then said to him


    carefully, "Mr. Lucian, your father called. He said to tell you to visit the Zhan mansion tonight along with


    Mrs. Amelia. Or else..."


    Amelia had just slipped out of her shoes when she heard this. Narrowing her eyes, Fannie''s face


    instantly appeared in her mind.


    "Or else, they''reing here themselves," Lucian finished for Lily.


    Lily nodded silently. She was still a bit traumatized from how angry Fannie was over the phone.

 Chapter 33 I Heard You Were Sleeping In Separate Rooms

    Chapter 33 I Heard You Were Sleeping In Separate Rooms


    "And... Mrs. Fannie went here today too..." Lily was so nervous that her whole body was shaking.


    "I see. You may leave now." Lucian looked no different than usual. He turned and nonchntly asked


    Amelia, "Do you want to go to the Zhan mansion with me?"


    She couldn''t turn him down since he had asked.


    "Yes." She nodded.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll make sure what happenedst time won''t happen again," Lucian added.


    Lucian''s words drew Amelia''s attention. A hint of astonishment shed in her eyes. Suddenly, the


    image of Fannie pping her across the face shed in her mind.


    Knowing what he meant, Amelia smiled, "Don''t worry. I''ll try my best not to piss your mother off."


    While Amelia seemed perfectly agreeable, her tone sounded distant as if she was trying to prove a


    point to Lucian.


    They arrived at the Zhan mansion when evening came. All the lights were turned on but there was


    nothing but silence.


    It was Darren who came out to wee Lucian and Amelia as the rest of the other servants were busy


    inside the mansion. Nichs was sitting on the sofa, having a cup of tea. Upon seeing the two arrive,


    he said simply, "You''re here."


    This was Amelia''s third time meeting Nichs. While they didn''t talk much, she felt as if he was much


    easier to get along with than Fannie. He hadn''t fully epted her yet but at the very least, he didn''t


    sneer at her or re at her the way Fannie did.


    In response, Amelia gave a polite salute to him.


    Nichs beckoned for them to have a seat. Initially, Amelia wanted Lucian to sit down first before she


    did but to her surprise, Lucian grabbed her hand and led her to the sofa, saying, "Sit."


    She suddenly froze. The warmth of Lucian''s hands enveloped hers making her feel all tingly inside.


    "Lucian, I heard the Zhan Group''s acquired a couple of big projects. I''ve checked the numbers and it


    seems you''ve done a good job. I''m very satisfied with how you''re running things." Nichs looked up.


    He nced at Amelia at first then fixed his gentle eyes on Lucianst.


    Lucian nodded slightly and did not answer. He just knew that Nichs hadn''t asked him toe here


    just to say that.


    Just as Amelia was wondering where Fannie was, she suddenly heard the voice. "Is Lucian here? Did


    he bring that woman with him?"


    It didn''t take a genius to figure out that she was referring to Amelia.


    Amelia suddenly sat up straight. Her eyes sharpened and her stomach twisted in knots in nervousness.


    Suddenly, she felt a hand move behind her and grasp her waist.


    She turned to look at Lucian who was calm as ever. ''I wish Lucian would let go of me,'' she thought to


    herself. However, at that moment, Fannie was walking toward them, her face unreadable. She wore an


    elegant dress that made her look gorgeous.


    "Lucian, I went to the SJ Garden today but you weren''t home. I thought you were busy so I didn''t call


    you." After that, she looked at Amelia and said coldly, "Looks like we have a problem here!"


    Amelia averted her gaze.


    "Mom, I know what you want to say," Lucian said in an icy tone, tightening his grip on Amelia. He then


    turned to look at her dotingly and smiled. "We love each other and we want to spend the rest of our


    lives together."


    Amelia quivered in shock, giving Lucian a look of disbelief, eyes wide open.


    Despite knowing that Lucian was only saying this to put up an act, she still found herself longing for his


    words to be real.


    He shouldn''t have said that! Fannie turned her gaze to Amelia and asked, "I heard that you two are


    sleeping in two separate bedrooms?"


    Amelia was startled.


    It seems as if Fannie had gotten her facts right¡ªAmelia and Lucian were sleeping in two separate


    bedrooms.


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    "Well, why don''t you go and tell the police about it? You have such good observational skills!" With a


    snort, Lucian asked coldly, "Did you see the portrait of Amelia''s mother?"


    Amelia was too scared to look at Fannie.


    It was a well-known fact that rich and powerful families such as the Zhan family strictly followed certain


    rules and traditions. With that, they believed that disying a portrait such as Iris''s would bring bad


    luck to their family.


    "It''s good that you brought that up because I was just about to mention it." Fannie continued, directing


    her question to Amelia this time, "Did you purposely bring that portrait of your mother to bring bad luck


    to our family?"


    Without a doubt, Fannie believed that Iris''s portrait hanging in their vi at the SJ Garden was a symbol


    of bad luck and misfortune.


    Amelia was frozen in ce. She could feel her chest tightening in anxiety.


    "Mom, you can''t talk to her like that. She''s a member of the family now. And besides, it was I who


    decided to hang that portrait in the SJ Garden." Lucian further tightened his grip on Amelia''s small


    waist.


    "I don''t care whose idea it was. I already threw the portrait away anyway!" Fannie snapped.


    "What did you just say?" Amelia stood in shock and asked incredulously, "You threw the portrait away?"


    "Yes, I threw it away," Fannie answered with a cold smile.


    All of a sudden, Amelia turned pale. She felt her heart ache. Her mother''s portrait was now gone.


    "Amelia?" Lucian called softly.


    Amelia was able to gather herself. "Are you happy now?" she asked, sobbing.


    With that, she stood up and left.


    "Lucian, stop!" Fannie called. She had blocked Lucian who was just about to run after Amelia.


    Lucian''s eyes were filled with anger. Unable to hold back his rage, he roared, "You''ve gone way too far


    this time!"


    Then he pushed Fannie away.


    Fortunately, she fell on the sofa and not on the ground.


    Nichs sat on the sofa, merely watching the entire scene unfold. He didn''t even call for a servant to


    help Fannie up. Sighing, he said, "Fannie, Fiona entrusted Lucian to you because she trusted you to


    raise him with care and love and not to interfere in his life. You''re meddling in his life and you''re not


    supposed to be. It''s none of your business."


    Looking dejected, Fannie slumped on the floor. Tears streaming down her face.


    "Amelia..." Lucian ran out to catch up with Amelia. As he spoke, he sounded worried and the pity in his


    voice was undeniable.


    Lucian suddenly pulled her into his arms from behind and said remorsefully, "I''m sorry, I didn''t know..."


    He thought he was finally going to be able to protect her. This was thest thing he wanted.


    There were two things he rarely did: apologize and make promises. Amelia was the first person to get


    him to break this principle of his.


    His words enveloped her broken heart in warmth and care.


    "It''s not your fault. It''s mine. I thought if I brought my mother''s portrait to SJ Garden, she could finally


    have a quiet life. I just didn''t..." Amelia''s voice trailed off. Then she said tearfully, "Would you let go of


    me? I need to look for the portrait. My mother didn''t have taken many photos when she was alive. We


    don''t even have a photo together..."


    Amelia choked as she sobbed, her eyebrows knitted together, eyes gleaming in tears.


    Lucian let go of her, his heart aching at the sight of this. He then turned to Darren who had followed


    them and said firmly, "Tell my mother that if she doesn''t find Iris''s portrait, I''ll never show my face in the


    Zhan mansion ever again."


    His tone was resolute, eyebrows deeply furrowed together. There was no denying his wrath.


    Darren was so frightened that his face turned pale. He immediately nodded in agreement.


    "Amelia, I''m sorry. If I had checked before we came here, you wouldn''t have had to find out that way."


    Lucian couldn''t stand seeing Amelia crying. Needless to say, he was at a loss.


    When Amelia heard what Lucian had told Darren, her first thought was that it wasn''t his fault at all. If


    anything, he''d saved her. He''d saved her from the Mo family and he saved her now too.


    She took a couple of deep breaths to calm herself down then she said in a hoarse voice, "I''m sorry. I


    shouldn''t have gotten mad at you."


    "It''s okay. Don''t worry. We''ll get that portrait back," Lucian said in a determined tone as he wiped off the


    tears on Amelia''s face.


    Around a few minutester, Darren arrived carrying what seemed to be an item covered in ck cloth.


    He said urgently, "Mr. Lucian, Mr. Nichs asked me to give this to you."


    Lucian immediately took it and uncovered it only to find in relief that it was Iris''s portrait.


    "Amelia, look!" Lucian handed her the photo with a bright smile on his face.


    Amelia gazed at the photo, tears streaming down her face again.


    "Mom, I''m sorry. It''s my fault. I almost lost you." Holding Iris''s portrait in her arms, she clutched it tightly


    as if she was afraid she was going to lose it again.


    "Mr. Lucian and Mrs. Amelia, Mr. Nichs is waiting for you in his study." Darren didn''t have the heart


    to interrupt Amelia who seemed to be having a moment with her mother. In a small voice, he said, "It


    was Mr. Nichs who found the portrait. He asked to talk to you two inside."


    Putting on an icy cold look, Lucian said rather harshly, "Kindly thank my father for me but this doesn''t


    mean that I forgive my mother."


    Lucian always stood by what he thought was wrong and right. In this situation, his mother was wrong


    and she hadn''t even apologized yet which meant there was no way he was going to forgive her for


    doing such an atrocious thing.


    "Mrs. Amelia, please don''t be upset. Mr. Nichs has no problems with you. He didn''t mean to offend


    you. He just wants to talk to you," Darren added upon realizing that he couldn''t persuade Lucian. He


    figured maybe Amelia was easier to convince.

 Chapter 34 You Should Call Him Dad

    Chapter 34 You Should Call Him Dad


    "I''lle with you, Darren," Amelia calmly said, putting on a kind smile.


    "Amelia?" Lucian said in surprise as he gripped her arm, shaking his head. It seemed that he didn''t


    want her to go inside and talk to Nichs.


    Amelia knew what was on Lucian''s mind so she smiled and held up the portrait in front of him. "No


    matter what, your parents are still elders. I don''t need to be angry anymore because I got my mother''s


    portrait back. It wouldn''t be polite of me to suddenly leave especially that your father asked to talk to


    us," she exined.


    Her face wasn''t stained with tears anymore and she was beaming now. It was as if she hadn''t cried at


    all.


    "I don''t want you to pretend. Let''s just go home." Lucian couldn''t help but notice the cracks in Amelia''s


    smile. She wasn''t as fine as she was making it out to be. He grabbed her hand in an attempt to leave


    already.


    Amelia loosened her hand free and handed him the portrait, still smiling. "Hold this for me. I''ll be back


    in a jiffy."


    ttered by the trust she had given him, Lucian''s wrinkled eyebrows smoothened. Then he said gently,


    "I''lle with you."


    In the time that they spent together, Lucian had gotten to know Amelia a little bit more despite their


    constant bickering. They were always fighting but she was still very respectful to Fannie. With that,


    Lucian decided to apany her inside.


    In the study, Nichs sat at his desk, reading the paper. Upon seeing Lucian and Ameliae in, he


    put the paper down and asked gently, "Amelia?"


    His voice was low as he spoke but there was a hint of affection in it.


    She stepped forward, nodded, and said in a guilt-ridden tone, "Uncle, I''m so sorry for storming out like


    that a while ago." She wanted to apologize for what she had done but didn''t realize that she''d made an


    error in how she referred to him.


    Lucian frowned and pulled her sleeve. He reminded her gently, "You should call him dad."


    What? Amelia quickly came to her senses and corrected herself, "Dad..."


    Her tone was stiff which gave away her difort.


    When Lucian first met her father, he sounded so natural when he first referred to him as dad. She


    couldn''t help but be impressed at how quickly he was able to adjust. Unlike her.


    "I don''t deserve to be called your father just yet..." Sighing, Nichs took a hold of his cane and tried to


    stand up. Immediately, Amelia reached out to try to help him.


    This gesture not only surprised Nichs but also Lucian.


    "Ha-ha! Such a sweet girl!" All of a sudden, Nichs burst intoughter. Then, he turned to his son and


    praised, "Looks like you have good taste."


    It''s... Hesitating for a moment, Amelia turned to look at Lucian. She didn''t understand what Nichs


    meant.


    Lucian had narrowed his eyes, beaming. When he turned to look at Nichs, he looked just as happy.


    She felt so silly not knowing what to do or what was even going on.


    "Dad, I''m not trying to get your approval. I just want you to be happy for me." Lucian then walked over


    to support Nichs, relieving Amelia of the duty.


    "As long as you''re happy, you have my 100% support." Nichs smiled in satisfaction. Then he


    frowned and said apologetically, "Your mother''s just short-tempered. Don''t take it too personally."


    After which, Nichs turned his gaze to Amelia, his eyes apologetic.


    "Dad, it''s been getting cold these past few days and your legs are sore. You shouldn''t be watching your


    friends do their morning exercises anymore," Lucian said in a worried tone as he helped Nichs walk


    to the living room.


    "I can''t stay put because I know my legs and feet are too sore for me to exercise anymore. Ifort


    myself by watching my old friends do that. You could say that I''m living vicariously through them,"


    Nichs exined, a gentle smile on his face.


    Amelia quietly followed behind them. Observing the father and son carefully, she was a bit surprised


    when she heard what Lucian said.


    At first, she thought Lucian''s redeeming qualities were his family background and his handsomeness


    but now, she was discovering that he had a tender side too. He was very caring and loving. It seems


    that he wasn''t as cold and indifferent as he always made himself out to be.


    Lucian and Nichs continued to chat with each other, sharing a chuckle every now and then. Soon,


    they arrived at the gate of the mansion, Nichs turned to Amelia and put on a tender smile. He


    gripped his cane as he spoke, "Amelia, you''re always wee here at the Zhan mansion."


    Amelia wasn''t able to respond immediately as she was momentarily stunned. When she finally


    collected herself, she managed a nod in response.


    "Dad, she''s a little nervous," Lucian exined as he pulled her into his arms.


    Lucian was right¡ªshe was both nervous and worried. ''Did Nichs just technically say that he already


    epted her?'' she pondered to herself. However, this didn''t seem to lighten her mood instead her


    heart felt heavy.


    After they bade goodbye to Nichs, Amelia got in the car, clutching her mother''s portrait in her arms.


    Lucian then leaned in to fasten her seatbelt for her. She froze when she felt his hand gently caressing


    her waist.


    "Can you drive?" Lucian asked matter-of-factly, sitting up straight.


    It took a while before she was able to fully process his question.


    Thinking she was still feeling nervous, he teased, "Are you scared because my father epts you


    now?"


    "I... I am not!" she cried defensively, her face flushing.


    "Amelia, you''re the first ever woman I took home to meet my parents." He suddenly became serious.


    Amelia pretended to be confused and asked, "What does that mean?" He''d been with so many other


    women. She found it hard to believe that none of them was good enough for him to take home and


    meet his parents. Maybe, he did that to protect them.


    Upon thinking of this, she turned to re at him.


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Lucian seemed to understand why Amelia was ring at him. He raised the corners of his mouth,


    looked at Amelia with burning eyes, and said in a very serious tone, "Silly woman, what should I say for


    you to understand what I mean?"


    Lucian suddenly stopped the car and leaned over to her, a breathtaking smile on his face.


    Overwhelmed, she moved so that her back waspletely pressing against her seat, safely putting


    some distance between them.


    "Lucian, please don''t..." Her face was flushing like a fresh bouquet of roses on a Valentine''s day.


    Now more than ever, she looked charming. Stroking Amelia''s face gently, he spoke, his voice low and


    seductive, "You''ve aroused my desire."


    Oh my God! What... Such sweet words!


    Amelia''s face turned red. She could feel her heartbeat pulsing in her ears. Her heart racing and her


    chest tightening were all proof that this was all real and she wasn''t just imagining this.


    Was he out of his mind? How could he say something like that! She was going crazy!


    "But I can wait. I''ll wait until you fall in love with me and then..." Lucian lowered his head and covered


    his lips with hers. Amelia felt her insides explode. This kiss was hypnotic.


    Her heart was racing, feeling as if she was floating and this was all just a dream.


    Amelia closed her eyes tightly, wanting to be present at this moment. There was a voice inside of her


    telling her to just follow her heart but there was also a part of her that refused to believe this was all


    happening. He couldn''t be serious... Or was he?


    Hesitant, she fixed her eyes on him.


    She couldn''t deny that over the time they''d spent together, she had indeed developed a crush on him


    but she didn''t think that anything could happen since their marriage was just a fake.


    "Let''s go home." She quickly turned her head.


    "All right," Lucian answered with a gentle smile. Before he looked away, Amelia''s heart fluttered at his


    faint scent that still lingered under her nose.


    She thought they were going to end up having dinner at the mansion before things had gone awry.


    Lucian pulled over in front of a Western restaurant that seemed like the type of ce only rich people


    could afford. He turned to Amelia and said, "Let''s eat."


    Amelia looked up and found that the restaurant was still open. Suddenly, she felt her stomach grumble.


    They haven''t had dinner after all.


    She nodded her head obediently. Her heart was still racing from the emotionally charged moment that


    they had just shared. She felt like she was still floating.


    When she walked inside, she suddenly remembered that before they left the Zhan mansion, Lucian


    had asked her if she could drive. Turning towards him, she said simply, "Yes, I can drive."


    Lucian seemed taken aback at first but he quickly recovered with a smile.


    When they arrived at their table, they sat across from each other which allowed Lucian to stare at


    Amelia. ''She''s so adorable,'' he thought to himself.


    This was Amelia''s first time eating in a Western restaurant. Everything seemed so strange and foreign


    which made her feel a bit nervous.


    The waiter handed the menu to her. She took the menu, hands trembling, and nced at it, quickly


    realizing that everything was so expensive.


    "You order." She slid over the menu to Lucian.


    It seemed that Lucian noticed the embarrassment on her face. He slightly curved his lips and took the


    menu. He then ordered a ton of dishes. It was obvious that he was a regr at this restaurant. Then he


    asked, "What kind of drinks do you like?"


    While all the dishes that Lucian ordered werepletely new to her, she tried her best to remember


    them all.


    He kept asking her what food she wanted. He asked her what kind of soup, main course, side dish,


    dessert, and fruit she liked. And now he was asking what she wanted to drink. Could they really finish


    all the food they were ordering? It seems like they were ordering for an entire army!


    She suddenly asked, "Aren''t we going to order soup? Let''s just order soup."


    Lucian seemed briefly astonished before resuming to his nonchnt self. Smiling, he said nicely to the


    waiter, "That''s all for now."


    The rich sure did have a lot of rituals when eating dinner. They had a towel to wash their hands with


    and they also had a napkin to wipe their hands with.


    Amelia pursed her lips as she listened to Lucian. At that moment, all Lucian could think was how


    adorable she looked.


    "What''s wrong?" Lucian noticed that Amelia was pouting, seemingly in dissatisfaction.


    Amelia looked around, her eyes bright, and said casually, "Nothing..."

 Chapter 35 Married A Good Wife

    Chapter 35 Married A Good Wife


    Why can''t it just be easy to eat Western food? Sheined on the inside but on the outside, she


    kept a straight face.


    The dishes were ced on the table and they all looked marvelous which made Amelia''s mouth water.


    "Eat up," Lucian said in a low voice. He cut the beef with knife and fork rather skillfully, his cream-


    colored fingers blending in with the Chinaware.


    Meanwhile, Amelia looked confused as she held her knife and fork. She didn''t know which hand to use.


    She liked to eat spicy food so whenever she went out with Jasper, they always ate Chinese food or


    hotpot. She''d never been to such a fancy restaurant before.


    She''d seen actors eat like this on TV before but that didn''t really help with her confusion.


    Noticing the look on her face, Lucian put his utensils down and reached out to reposition how Amelia


    was holding her knife and fork. "Okay, that''s good," he quipped.


    Amelia blushed in embarrassment as she still didn''t know what to do. The silence weighed in on her as


    Lucian continued to eat his meal.


    She took a deep breath. She was at a loss because she still didn''t know what to do.


    She needed to have her knife in her right hand and her fork in her left hand. Amelia muttered to herself,


    trying to bear all of this in mind as she tried to eat.


    Lucian seemed to read her mind. He said, "There are no rules. You don''t have to be so nervous. Just


    eat however you want to eat."


    "Really?" With her eyes wide open, Amelia smiled in relief. When Lucian nodded, she turned and


    asked a waiter standing nearby for some chopsticks.


    While the waiter was momentarily stunned, he was quickly able to recover¡ªhe put on a smile and


    nodded.


    When she turned her head to meet Lucian''s eyes, she felt a little embarrassed and her face flushed.


    Then she reached out for a piece of cake and said frankly, "Well, you told me there are no rules. I can


    eat however I want..."


    Lucian smiled tenderly. ''She really is special,'' he thought affectionately to himself.


    "I prefer to use chopsticks!" She started helping herself to the food excitedly.


    Lucian took his ss of red wine and took a sip, looking as elegant as ever. When he tipped his head a


    bit so he could drink from his ss, his profile looked perfect.


    Lucian really was a different kind of handsome¡ªit was unparalleled.


    "Can I have some red wine?" she suddenly spoke out.


    Lucian looked up at her. The gleam in his eyes reminded Amelia of the night she got drunk.


    In embarrassment, she picked up her ss of water and started drinking.


    Lucian smiled and poured some wine on her ss. "Slow down. Don''t drink too much."


    "Well... Okay." She didn''t expect that Lucian would allow her to drink. When she picked up her ss


    and took a sip, she tasted a sour vor. Frowning, she said, "I prefer cocktails and beer."


    She wasn''t used to the taste of wine the way she was with beer and cocktails.


    Seeing her scrunch up her face, Lucian shook his head helplessly. He then let out a small chuckle.


    "Do you really think it''s a good idea that a woman like yourself drink alcohol?" Waving his ss, Lucian


    looked at Amelia quietly as he sized her up.


    Amelia pursed her lips and paused for a while before answering, "I asked Courtney out to drink


    sometimes because I didn''t have anything to do and Jasper... Uh..."


    Why did she suddenly mention Jasper? She never mentioned him anymore because he was already


    cklisted in her mind.


    Upon giving it more thought, she knew that she only mentioned him because he was part of the story


    she was going to tell and not because she was still in love with him or anything.


    Then she looked at Lucian who seemed unfazed and continued eating.


    A few momentster, Lucian put down his utensils, wiped his mouth, and looked at Amelia.


    Amelia seemed to be enjoying the meal as she was still eating by the time he had finished. When she


    noticed him looking at her, she asked awkwardly, "Why aren''t you eating?"


    shing her a smile, he said gently, "I''m already full. Go on and continue eating. You seem to be


    enjoying yourself."


    "Uh..." Amelia rubbed her stomach, suddenly realizing how full she really was. However, she couldn''t


    help but worry about all the food they had left and she didn''t want to waste them. Frowning, she


    questioned, "Why didn''t you eat that much? What a waste of food!"


    Lucian gazed back at her affectionately, not knowing how to respond. "I can''t eat anymore. Do I really


    have to eat all of this on my own?"


    Amelia was visibly displeased. "My mother always taught me not to waste food. I expect that your


    mother would have taught you the same, Mr. Lucian."


    All of a sudden, Lucian fell silent. The lights from the crystal chandelier hanging above them illuminated


    his handsome face. Amelia was mesmerized.


    This man looked so handsome even when he wasn''t doing anything!


    "Well, not really. We did grow up inpletely different worlds." With that, she realized that she may


    have said too much.


    Lucian frowned and looked at Amelia. He thought how Amelia always did and said something


    unexpected almost always left him speechless.


    He lowered his head, not saying anything for a while. Looking embarrassed, he asked, "What about


    these?"


    "Could you please pack these up for us?" Amelia requested when a waiter came by.


    "Okay then." Lucian had never done this before so he sounded a little awkward.


    Amelia left the restaurant holding several take-out bags. Lucian offered to carry the bags. "Give those


    to me. I''ll carry them." "Uh..."


    Amelia was a little taken aback so she said, "I know your family''s very rich but that doesn''t matter. You


    still shouldn''t waste food. That''s like a general rule!"


    After she spoke, she put on a bright smile that made her eyes look like crescent moons.


    "You''re right." Lucian nodded in agreement. He tapped her on the head and said, "Yup, you''re right.


    Thanks for teaching me that."


    What did he just say? I taught him something? This self-righteous man finally agreed with something


    she said... And now he was stroking her head gently.


    Her face blushed and she moved her head uneasily, trying to slip away from Lucian.


    "Mrs. Amelia, you know, people always tell me that I should marry a good wife. Well, looks like I did!"


    Lucian said when they got in the car. He was fastening his seat belt as he spoke.


    He wasn''t distant or cold or spoke to her in a condescending voice. Instead, he even offered to fasten


    her seat belt for her. Any woman in the city would kill to be in her spot right now and that made her


    smile.


    Despite this, she still felt uneasy. She couldn''t help but think of their agreement. Had he already


    changed his mind about it?


    Still, Lucian''spliment didn''t sit well with her. As much as she loved hearing it, she couldn''t shake


    off the feeling that something was wrong.


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    "Please don''t do that. I think Sasha is a great woman and she''s beautiful too." She decided to bring up


    Sasha.


    She regretted it as soon as she said it. On the inside, she panicked but she tried to remain calm on the


    outside.


    Lucian nced at Amelia and said coldly, "Mrs. Amelia, I think you ate too much sweets tonight. Maybe


    you should have some vinegar to cleanse your pte."


    She wasn''t stupid¡ªshe knew what he meant.


    "Lucian, think about it. Have you ever really been in a rtionship? A real one? Sasha''s your girlfriend.


    You shouldn''t be talking like that."


    "I can be in a rtionship if I wanted to," Lucian turned around and looked at Amelia seriously as if he


    was making a promise.


    Amelia was in a daze for a moment as she relished in how Lucian was looking at her. When she caught


    herself, she burst intoughter and said, "Well, that''s good. If Sasha only knew how much you loved


    her, I''m sure she would be happy."


    For some reason, she felt empty after saying those words. She felt as if she was disconnected from


    herself.


    Lucian turned off the car engine along with the lights. It waspletely dark as the trees that


    surrounded them were blocking the street lights. They could see the road from where they were but it


    was a bit too hazy.


    Amelia didn''t know why Lucian stopped the car all of a sudden. Just as she was about to turn to him


    and ask, he suddenly leaned over to her and put an arm around her shoulder. There wasn''t much


    distance left between them as they faced each other, lips almost touching.


    Everything was quiet and Amelia felt as if she was floating. Overwhelmed by her nervousness, she


    tried to steady herself. Luckily, Lucian was holding her shoulders with his hands and soon, he closed


    the distance between them by touching his lips with hers.


    The kiss turned from soft and gentle to passionate really quickly. She stiffened as she inhaled his


    scent. His warm lips covering hers... It was intoxicating.


    Everything happened so quickly and it was almost dream-like.


    As much as she wanted to push him away, she couldn''t. She couldn''t bring herself to because she


    wanted this to happen.


    She relished the taste of his soft lips and the warmth of his breath on her face.

 Chapter 36 A Passionate Kiss

    Chapter 36 A Passionate Kiss


    "Amelia, you''re the one I love..." He stopped and said in a low and deep voice. His voice seeped with


    emotion.


    Amelia trembled and looked at Lucian in disbelief. She shook her head and said, "No, we won''t. We


    just..."


    Lucian covered her mouth with his again but only briefly. He released her and said seriously, "We''re not


    in a fake marriage anymore. We''re in a real rtionship. We''re husband and wife."


    "But.. But what about Sasha?" As much as she didn''t want to meddle into their rtionship, she had to.


    She too had feelings for Lucian and his confession both terrified her and made her happy.


    Why did Lucian say he loved her? Everything felt so dream-like.


    "Sasha and I are just friends. I can''t exin to you why and how we got here but I was afraid you were


    too oblivious to figure out what''s going on with us. I knew it was a risk but I had to tell you." This was


    his first time confessing his love to a woman and much to his disappointment, it wasn''t received well.


    Women crawled after him and this was the first time that he actually reciprocated the feelings and


    affection. He actually cared about her.


    Only Amelia and the girl from his childhood had made him feel this way.


    At this moment, all he wanted was to forget about their deal and just be in a real rtionship with


    Amelia.


    "Lucian, you had a lot of wine tonight. Why..." Amelia couldn''t believe her ears. She reached out her


    hand to touch Lucian''s forehead. Noticing that his temperature was normal, she asked in confusion,


    "Did you have a fight with Sasha?"


    Lucian grabbed Amelia''s hand and said softly, "We can do this. We can be in a real rtionship. You


    probably need time to process all of this and you can do that. When you get home, you can think about


    it. But Iid out my cards tonight. I meant every word and it came from the bottom of my heart."


    Then he pressed his lips against Amelia''s hand. With that, he turned on the car engine and started


    driving again.


    As he was driving, Amelia turned to look at him¨Chis eyes were gleaming as if they were stars in the


    night sky.


    She was still having trouble processing all of this. She couldn''t believe that Lucian had actually fallen in


    love with her.


    When they arrived at the SJ Garden, Amelia rushed upstairs and locked the door.


    Finally, she was alone. After what felt like a million years of holding her breath, she rubbed her chest


    and took a deep breath. Thinking of the kiss still made her feel all tingly inside.


    Before Lily could say anything, Amelia had already rushed upstairs.


    Watching Amelia rush upstairs made Lucian grin.


    "Mr. Lucian, what happened to Mrs. Amelia?" Quizzically, Lily turned her head and looked at Lucian.


    Suddenly, the smile disappeared on his face and he said coldly, "If Fanniees back, tell me right


    away and don''t allow her to go upstairs."


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Lucian. I promise it won''t happen again," Lily apologized.


    Amelia was in such a rush that she had forgotten to take Iris''s portrait with her.


    After returning the portrait to its altar, Lucian made a small bow and solemnly said, "Mom, I promise to


    make Amelia happy."


    The following morning, Amelia got up anxiously the minute her rm rang. She quickly washed up and


    finished preparing in about ten minutes. When she came downstairs, she saw Lucian sitting on the sofa


    and leisurely drinking his coffee. She wondered if he was just as rxed when he was working. ''I really


    don''t understand the life of the rich.''


    "Mrs. Amelia, where are you going?" Lily was confused when she saw that Amelia, with her hair tied up


    in a pony tail, was wearing her work clothes.


    "I''m going to work!" Amelia tried her best to ignore both Lily and Lucian''s gazes.


    "Amelia, I practically bared my soul to youst night. What are you so nervous about?" Lucian said as


    he put down his coffee cup, stood up, and walked over to Amelia, a meaningful smile on his face.


    With that, Amelia''s face flushed again. She lowered her head and pretended she didn''t hear him,


    focusing her attention on what she was doing¡ªputting on her shoes.


    "Sweetie, it''s the weekend," Lucian said yfully.


    Amelia froze upon hearing this. How embarrassing...


    To save herself from the embarrassment, she raised her head. "Since it''s the weekend, can I go out


    and rx?"


    she posed decisively.


    Lucian raised his eyebrows and nodded with a smile. "Of course, you can. But are you sure you want


    to wear those clothes?"


    It wasn''t until he mentioned it that she realized that she was wearing her work clothes, leaving her


    speechless.


    ''Ugh. I can''t believe I did that!''


    Amelia ran upstairs angrily and quickly changed her clothes. She opted for a red wool coat, a white


    turtleneck sweat, some ck pants, and a pair of booties.


    Simple but elegant.


    Staring at her for a while, Lucian smiled and said, "Why don''t you have breakfast first before you


    leave?"


    "I can go out?" There was a hint of expectation in her tone as if she''d been deprived of her freedom for


    a long time.


    "Yes." Lucian nodded, with tenderness in his eyes.


    "I''m done!" Amelia wiped her mouth with a piece tissue and prepared to leave.


    "Wait a minute." Lucian''s face was unreadable. If anything, he looked quite serious.


    Amelia stopped obediently and asked, "What can I do for you, Lucian?"


    Was she willing to lose a little bit of her dignity just so she could go out and have fun? Seeing her like


    this, Lucian didn''t know whether to cry or tough at her. He just said lightly, "Come with me."


    They walked out of the SJ Garden together. Just as she was about to open her mouth to ask Lucian


    what they were doing, a red Cadic suddenly pulled over in front of them.


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    "Mr. Lucian." Frank stepped out of the car, greeted Lucian, and bowed to Amelia. "Nice to meet you,


    Mrs. Amelia."


    Amelia waved her hand bashfully and answered politely, "Hello."


    "Since you can drive, why don''t you give it a try?" Lucian said to Amelia as he pointed at the brand new


    Cadic with a smile on his face.


    She knew how to drive and she had her driver''s license but she seldom drove. What was Lucian going


    to do? Did he want to test her driving skills?


    She frowned and refused him awkwardly, "Do you want me to be your driver?"


    Lucian frowned at this. ''What is she thinking?'' he thought inwardly.


    Unbothered, he simply said,


    "Just go!" He acted as if he was growing impatient already.


    The car was red and so shiny that the sun reflected on it. Amelia then got on the car, took a deep


    breath, and started driving in a slow but steady speed.


    "Not bad." Lucian gave Amelia a thumbs up as soon as she got off the car.


    She blushed in anxiousness. She nced at Lucian shyly and whispered, "I thought you had a driver? I


    don''t want to drive for you!"


    She had assumed that Lucian wanted her to drive for him so she tried her best to convince him


    otherwise.


    "Frank''s my driver. I won''t allow you to steal his job." He then smiled mysteriously and said, "Is there


    anything different that you notice about this car?"


    ''Different?'' Amelia turned her attention to the car and started looking more closely. Nothing was


    different about it save for the fact that it was brand new.


    "This car is for women," Lucian said simply, grinning. "Since you can drive, this car is yours. It''ll be


    much more convenient for you."


    "This is mine?" Amelia looked at Lucian in surprise.


    "Yes, if you had your own car, it''ll be easier for you to go out," Lucian exined matter-of-factly.


    Amelia didn''t know why but this left a bad taste in her mouth. She vigorously shook her head. "This is


    too expensive. I can''t take it."


    She was already overwhelmed by all that he''d done for her. He helped Vernon and he helped with Iris''s


    portrait to name a few. She couldn''t ept his help anymore. It was too much already and she was


    already grateful for that.


    Even though she was technically his wife, she just couldn''t ept gifts from him without any reason.


    "Mrs. Amelia, Mr. Lucian personally selected this car for you. He knew that you weren''t the type to


    show off so he chose this car for you. It''s charming and it suits you. Wouldn''t it be a waste if you refuse


    this act of kindness from Mr. Lucian?" Frank chimed in upon noticing the hesitance in Amelia.


    Amelia was soft-hearted so most of the time, it didn''t take much to persuade her. When Frank spoke,


    she couldn''t help but feel embarrassed.


    Even then, she just couldn''t ept a grand gift like this just because she was soft-hearted.


    "You''re Lucian''s driver, right? I cane with him whenever you pick him up for work. And when it''s


    not for work, the bus stop is just 20 minutes away. I really don''t need a car." Taking deep breaths, she


    raised her head and said in a grateful tone, "Thank you so much for this thoughtful gesture but I really


    don''t need you to be this nice to me."


    Despite having a driver, Lucian often drove himself whenever he went out. It waspletely


    unnecessary for him to buy her a car.


    She knew that the Zhan family was wealthy enough to squander money but she just wasn''t raised like


    that.


    Frank didn''t expect for Amelia to refuse the car so adamantly. Not knowing what to say, he turned to


    Lucian with a worried look on his face.

 Chapter 37 She Doesnt Appreciate His Kindness

    Chapter 37 She Doesn''t Appreciate His Kindness


    "Since you don''t appreciate my kindness, I won''t force you." After staring at Amelia for a long time,


    Lucian finally conceded. "But Amelia, you''re my wife. Why can''t I do these kinds of things for you?"


    Lucian''s eyes had darkened. When he turned to look at Amelia, there was a hint of sadness in it.


    Not knowing what to say, Amelia lowered her head, too nervous to answer.


    "Frank, put the car in the garage. Just leave it there since Amelia doesn''t want it." Lucian directed his


    order to Frank, his voice emotionless.


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    ''What? He''s just going to leave it at the garage?''


    "Can''t I return it?" she asked bashfully, frowning.


    "Of course not!" Frank answered.


    "Why not?" The car was not used or damaged. Why couldn''t it be returned?


    Lucian wanted tough as he watched Amelia but he held back hisughter and sighed instead,


    saying, "Well, of course, the owner would take care of the car, right? But if the seller won''t think that.


    Even if you''ve just been using it for a day, it''s already lost its value. Returning it will just cost us. We''ll


    just lose even more money."


    "Lose more money?" That was what Amelia was worried about.


    Since the car couldn''t be returned and she wasn''t going to drive, Lucian technically wasted his money


    on buying the car. It was just going to be put to waste.


    "Can we rent the car to a leasepany? That way, we can make up for the loss," Amelia proudly


    suggested, her bright eyes gleaming.


    "No way, Mrs. Amelia!" With a look of bewilderment on his face, Frank said with a frown, "Although this


    isn''t as expensive as a vi would be, we still can''t rent it out to a leasepany. They''re certainly not


    going to take care of this car so it''s not practical. The car''s just going to lose its value."


    Lucian didn''t expect Frank to chime in like that. He winked at Frank in approval.


    "Well..." Amelia pursed her lips, looking remorseful. It seemed that there was no way out. She turned to


    look at Lucian and apologized, "I''m sorry that you wasted your money again."


    "Mrs. Amelia, if you didn''t want to waste Mr. Lucian''s money, why don''t you just ept this car? That


    way, everyone will be happy," Frank quipped.


    Well, he had a point. Lucian''s lips pursed at the slightest of movements and he suddenly felt his heart


    racing.


    She didn''t even want to waste money on food what more a car. One could only imagine the remorse


    she felt over the money Lucian wasted on buying this car.


    "Ouch, that hurts!" She felt as if her head was throbbing with all the thinking she was doing.


    Was there really no other way but to ept the car? She didn''t want to owe Lucian any more than she


    already did.


    "Amelia, I''m your husband. This is what I should be doing. If you can''t ept that then I won''t force but


    I have to tell you... This hurts for me." After Lucian finished speaking, he turned around and went back


    to the SJ Garden.


    ''Oh, my God! Is he mad?''


    "Hey, Lucian!" She called out to him hurriedly, however he showed no signs of stopping and just


    continued walking.


    She pouted, frustrated. Her restless heart began to feel sad.


    Standing by the side, Frank noticed how upset Amelia looked. He then said, "Mrs. Amelia, I seldom see


    Mr. Lucian do something like this and he did this for you. Why can''t you see that?"


    "I... I know but..." But we''re not an actual couple. They were just acting even though their marriage


    certificate was real.


    At the thought of this, Amelia thought back to Lucian''s confession and the passionate kiss they shared


    the night before.


    "Mrs. Amelia, Mr. Lucian isn''t normally like this. He doesn''t do these types of things for women. I guess,


    he''s just upset." After years of working for Lucian, this was the first time that Frank saw Lucian do


    something like this for a woman. So the pity in his voice couldn''t be helped¡ªhe really did feel sorry for


    his boss.


    Amelia lowered her eyes and thought for a while. Then she raised her head and asked, "What should I


    do now?" After all, she didn''t want to make Lucian angry.


    "It''s not going to be easy but you have to ept the car and thank Mr. Lucian. Then everything will be


    fine," Frank simply said upon noticing that Amelia finally understood what he meant.


    Amelia sighed. She resignedly said, "I guess that''s what I have to do."


    Noticing herck of enthusiasm, Frank continued, "Mrs. Amelia, don''t look as if you''re digging your own


    grave. Countless women pine for Mr. Lucian and he only has eyes for you. You should be grateful."


    Amelia didn''t know what to say to this. While she knew that a lot of women liked Lucian, she knew that


    he chose her for a reason and it wasn''t out of love.


    Anyone merely observing from the outside thought that Amelia, a humble girl, had hit the jackpot by


    marrying Lucian, a handsome and wealthy man adored by thousands of women. She must have done


    something right in her past life to deserve this. She made sure to keep to herself how embarrassed she


    really was of their rtionship.


    "I''m going in now. Would you like toe with me?" At this moment, Amelia thought of Lucian who had


    left without looking back. He must be quite angry with her.


    "Mrs. Amelia, go on. I don''t need to go with you. Go on!" Frank encouraged with a smile.


    "Okay." Although she was still a bit hesitant, she wanted to face Lucian already.


    When she returned to the living room, she saw Lily cleaning the house. She looked around and found


    that Lucian was not there. So she asked, "Lily, where is he?"


    Amelia didn''t have to directly mention Lucian''s name because Lily already knew who she was referring


    to.


    "Mr. Lucian''s in his study. He asked you to finish your breakfast first." Lily dropped what she was doing


    and headed to the kitchen to prepare Amelia''s breakfast.


    Amelia pursed her lips. ''Is he expecting me to apologize?'' she thought inwardly.


    "He... Has he eaten yet?" Amelia asked in concern after her breakfast was served on the table.


    "Mr. Lucian looked upset when he came in. I was scared so I didn''t ask," Lily replied doubtfully.


    It seemed that he was really angry this time.


    After a few quick bites, Amelia carried the rest of her breakfast upstairs. Standing in front of the study,


    she hesitated for a moment before knocking at the door.


    "Come in." His tone was cold.


    Amelia''s heart was racing. She tried to level her nervousness as she focused on the breakfast tray she


    was holding.


    Lucian was perusing through some documents and he seemed absorbed in it.


    For some reason, Lucian''s charm lit up the whole room¡ªthis was the type of thing that only a


    handsome man like him could do.


    "Well... Here''s your breakfast..." She strode forward nervously and ced the te on his desk. She


    didn''t want to disturb him so she spoke in a small voice. The desk, as she noticed, was quite messy


    with documents scattered everywhere.


    Lucian looked up. He nced at the food on the desk then he looked at Amelia. He frowned. "Who let


    you take breakfast into the study?"


    Amelia was frightened by his angry tone. She hurriedly defended herself, "I''m sorry! I heard from Lily


    that you hadn''t eaten yet so I came here to bring you your breakfast."


    She was here with the intention of apologizing but she''d already messed it up.


    "Take it out." Lucian''s voice was icy cold. It was difficult to tell what he was really feeling but


    nheless, it made Amelia flustered.


    "Okay." She picked up the breakfast obediently and apologized, "Sorry to interrupt your work."


    There was a sh of grievance in her eyes and her heart was racing.


    In the short while that she came here, she''d already apologized twice. As he watched her leave, he


    knew he couldn''t bear to see her like that so he said, "Just put it on the table. I''lle down and eat


    there."


    He said it just in time as Amelia reached the door of the study.


    Her mood lightened up as she turned around and nodded, giving him a small smile.


    When Lucian saw that she was smiling, a faint smile appeared on his lips. Then he went downstairs.


    Lucian ate his breakfast at the table as Amelia sat across from him. It seemed like she wanted to say


    something but she held her tongue back and instead decided to wait for him to finish eating. As she


    waited, she fidgeted with her hands.


    Lucian nced at her from time to time. When he had finished eating, he wiped his mouth, and asked


    in a deep voice, "Do you have something to say?"


    She immediately raised her head and nodded. Seemingly embarrassed, she said, "I''m sorry for what I


    did just now. I shouldn''t have brought your breakfast into your study."


    "Get to the point." Lucian then stood up, towering over Amelia. This made her nervous, her chest


    tightened, and she had difficulty breathing. His strong aura was really overpowering.


    The point was... The point was that she was going to ept the car and thank him.


    After hesitating for a while, she realized she just couldn''t say it.


    Lucian looked grim which thoroughly scared Amelia. Trembling, she tried to say something but nothing


    came out of her mouth.


    "Amelia, if you don''t have anything else to say, I''m going." Lucian picked up his coat and prepared to


    leave.


    "Yes!" Amelia stopped him in a hurry. She caught up with him and said nervously, "Thank you for the


    car. I''ll use the car and I won''t just let it sit in the garage."


    Despite feeling the opposite, she knew this was what she had to do.


    She had no choice but to concede.


    "That''s it?" Lucian narrowed his eyes and gazed at her eyes.


    "That''s it." She nodded her head and looked nervously at Lucian''s handsome face that never failed to


    mesmerize her.

 Chapter 38 You Are Not Jealous

    Chapter 38 You Are Not Jealous


    When he took off his business suit, he revealed an ensemble of a bright orange sweater and crisp light


    gray jeans. This outfit made him look tall coupled with a pair of ck boots that added to his cool vibe.


    Draped on his arm was a long coat that he carried elegantly.


    It was no surprise Amelia fell head over heels for him. She only came back to her senses when


    Lucian''s voice broke her reverie.


    "I... Where are you going?" She felt as if Lucian was watching her very closely to which she responded


    with guilt and inability to form coherent sentences.


    "Mr. Edmund An invited me to y bowling with him. You cane if you want," Lucian suggested as


    he gently looked at Amelia.


    "Mr. Edmund... He''s rted to Shelly?" She was immediately able to put together that they shared a


    last name.


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    "Yes." In reality, Lucian wasn''t too keen on going¡ªhe only agreed to the invitation out of respect and


    politeness.


    "I''m fine. I can hang out with Courtney." Shelly was in love with Lucian and it didn''t need to be


    mentioned that both their families wanted the two of them to end up together. Amelia figured she''d just


    be a nuisance if she tagged along as they went bowling.


    It also didn''t help that Shelly was shooting her death res.


    Frowning, Lucian seemed visibly disappointed. He had figured that Amelia would want to leave


    because of Shelly.


    "Okay, I''ll drive you there." Even though he didn''t want her to leave, he still spoke to her softly.


    "Really?" Amelia asked curiously with her eyes wide open.


    "Yes." He nodded. What he really meant was that he''d drive her anywhere but in the end, decided not


    to. She was easily shaken up especially whenever he was sweet towards her so he just dropped it.


    Lucian wasn''t cold to her like he was before and he didn''t have that indifferent look he always had on


    his face anymore. Heaving a sigh of relief, Amelia followed behind him.


    As Lucian quietly drove the car, Amelia made sure she looked ahead. She was rather nervous as


    neither of them was speaking making the car ride a bit ufortable.


    "Shelly''s celebrating her birthday tonight. Would you mind if I pick you up for dinnerter?" Lucian had


    figured that Amelia might not enjoy if they went bowling so he just invited her to the dinner tonight.


    "I... Fine." Amelia frowned. She could tell that Lucian was expecting her toe and she didn''t want to


    refuse him a second time so she reluctantly agreed.


    "You don''t have to be so reserved. Just act the way you normally would. I don''t want you to be


    ufortable." Lucian liked it when Amelia acted like herself. While she seemed frail on the outside,


    those who were close to her knew that she was strong on the inside.


    Amelia whimpered in surprise. Before she could make out what Lucian had said, the car suddenly


    stopped¡ªthey had already arrived at the milk tea shop.


    He leaned over and unfastened her seat belt for her. nting a light kiss on her forehead, he shed


    her a charming smile. "Go, I''ll pick you up at five."


    ''Oh my god! I can''t take this anymore! He''s being so good to me and his smile! Oh my god! That smile!''


    Amelia lowered her head in embarrassment. She could still smell the faint scent of mint that she knew


    very well was Lucian''s perfume. The light kiss he gave her made her stomach twist and turn.


    "Wow, Amelia! He''s handsome, drives a luxury car, and drives you everywhere! What a lucky girl you


    are!" As soon as Amelia arrived at the door of the store, Courtney was already there to wee her.


    Amelia flushed a deep pink as she shot Courtney a re.


    "Hey, just a minute ago you looked happy when you were with Lucian and now you''re mad? I can''t


    believe you''d treat your good friend like this!" Amelia''s cheeks were still flushed. Gazing carefully at


    her, Courtney couldn''t help but point out, "It seems that you two are getting along."


    "Miss Courtney, I''m thirsty!" She quickly shifted the topic.


    "Really? Well, we can''t have that. I''ll be right back!" Courtney responded, a sly smile on her face.


    Of course, Amelia knew what she meant. She rolled her eyes at Courtney and said, "Courtney, since


    when did you be so bitchy?"


    "I was just kidding! You know I care about you. Now that you''re happy, I''m sure your rtionship with


    Lucian''s going to improve too." Thest thing Amelia expected from Courtney was this¡ªexpressing


    what she thought about something Amelia didn''t ask her opinion for.


    Helpless, Amelia shook her head. "I don''t want to argue with you."


    "By the way, why''d youe over today?" Courtney pried as she poured Amelia her milk tea. "I


    thought Mrs. Amelia would be out attending fancy parties and whatnot with Lucian. Why does it seem


    like you have so much free time?"


    "It''s not Mrs. Amelia. Just Amelia," Amelia said as she casually sipped her milk tea.


    "Yeah, you''re totally right. Look at you! You''re dressed so casually. Half of the customers here right now


    are dressed better than you!" Courtney cried as she eyed Amelia from head to toe.


    True to her character, Amelia did what she wanted to do without a care at how it would make her look.


    She lucked out with Lucian as he didn''t really require her to wear anything in specific except for when


    she went to work. For that, Lucian had bought her a bunch of office clothes.


    She recalled when they ate at a western restaurant and she began using chopsticks. The look on


    Lucian''s face then made her chuckle.


    "What are you smirking about?" Courtney narrowed her eyes. "Amelia, are you happy with the Zhan


    family?"


    Happy? Amelia didn''t know what to say. Sometimes, she felt as if she could be happy but there were


    times when all she could feel was anxiety and panic.


    "Courtney, do you think I''m the right one for Lucian?" She still felt like she was dreaming when she


    thought back to all those sweet things Lucian had said to her.


    "You chose this, didn''t you? Why are you still asking me?" Courtney sat down and looked at Amelia in


    confusion.


    "Well... I mean, wee from different worlds and..."


    "Amelia, since when did those things matter to you? You don''t have to think about what other people


    are going to say! If you''re happy with Lucian then just let yourself be happy!" Courtney said firmly, not


    letting Amelia finish what she was going to say. They''d known each other for years so Courtney knew


    her very well.


    Amelia never cared about these kinds of things before but that was only because she didn''t have to act


    as if she was ady of the Zhan family back then. However, she reminded herself that this was all just a


    deal. Once their contract was over, she could resume her normal life again.


    If she continued to focus on these things, she was only going to end up stressed with having to deal


    with the pressures of having a husband with such a high social status.


    "I know but it''s still hard to handle..." It was only with Courtney that Amelia could really express her true


    feelings and that was why they were the closest of friends.


    "I understand how difficult it could be to get along with such a rich and powerful family. That''s why I


    wanted to know if you were happy with the Zhan family." Courtney was obviously worried about


    Amelia''s situation. Putting on a look of confidence, she added, "But what I''m sure about is that Lucian


    really does care about you."


    "What made you say so?" As far as Amelia knew, Lucian and Courtney hadn''t spoken much so how


    could she say that? And why does she sound so sure?


    "That day, you weren''t answering your phone because you were pissed. He found Kent and asked for


    my phone number from him. He asked me to call you and make youe over here so he could pick


    you up here." Courtney narrated what had happened that day then she added, "He went through all of


    that just so he could find you. If I were in your ce, I''d be thrilled."


    With that in mind, it wasn''t surprising that he knew she was at the milk tea shop then.


    Amelia felt warm and fuzzy on the inside but she didn''t show it. Instead, she rolled her eyes and said


    snidely, "I thought we were friends? You betrayed me! You acted as if everything was normal!"


    "I had to cooperate. It was for your own good!" Courtney said unapologetically. She then left to


    wee some new customers that had juste in.


    Amelia couldn''t help herself¡ªshe was grinning from ear to ear. She didn''t know what she should feel


    but she was definitely touched by what Lucian did.


    When the clock struck five that afternoon, Lucian pulled over in his luxury car in front of the milk tea


    shop to pick up Amelia.


    "Amelia! He''s here to pick you up! Hurry!" The shop was always jam-packed on the weekends so


    Amelia failed to notice that Lucian was already outside. If Courtney hadn''t pushed her out and


    consequently pointed to the door, she wouldn''t have noticed him.


    Embarrassed, Amelia lowered her head as her cheeks turned a hue of pink.


    She couldn''t get him off her mind. If she hadn''t busied herself that afternoon, she''d probably be just


    daydreaming about him.


    "Have a seat. I''ll just clean up and I''ll be back," Amelia said.


    Lucian nodded, a faint smile appearing on his lips. He then took a seat and waited quietly for Amelia.


    As soon as Lucian entered the shop, everyone turned to stare at him in admiration¡ªsome even


    murmured to each other how handsome he was.


    "Amelia, you can leave. Kent''s going to be here soon. Go on! Go with Lucian!" Seeing that Amelia was


    still working, Courtney went over to her and grabbed the tableware that she was holding.


    "Fine, fine!" She didn''t insist anymore since they were headed to Shelly''s birthday dinner that night and


    she didn''t want to make Lucian wait any longer either.


    "You did a good job there," Lucian nonchntlymented as he drove, his slender hands gripped on


    the wheel.


    "Well, it''s easy." She smiled lightly and averted her gaze. Then in a low voice, she asked, "Are your


    parentsing?"


    "Yes." Lucian nodded and looked straight ahead. Then he added, "Shelly''s father and my father are not


    just business partners, they''re also old friends. They''re probably going to catch up tonight."


    "Okay," Amelia replied nervously.


    Fannie didn''t like her at all. To her, Amelia was a gold-digger who only married Lucian for his money. In


    addition to that, Amelia also ruined Lucian and Shelly''s chances of getting married¡ªsomething the


    Zhan and An family had been nning for the longest time.

 Chapter 39 To Torture Single Men

    Chapter 39 To Torture Single Men


    Going to visit the An family was like walking straight into a lion''s den.


    "Don''t be afraid. I''ll just be by your side the entire time." Noticing that Amelia had fallen silent, Lucian


    put his hand on the back of her hand andforted her in a soft voice.


    Amelia looked up at Lucian, feeling a bit more at ease. But her heart was still fluttering with


    nervousness.


    Taking a deep breath, she focused her attention on warmth Lucian''s hand offered. It was very


    comforting, and gave her a strong sense of security.


    A few momentster, Lucian pulled over at a clothing store. "Why did you stop here?" Amelia asked.


    "Just needed to pick something up. Let''s go," Lucian said as he got down the car.


    "Okay." Amelia nodded and followed Lucian.


    "Nice to meet you, Mr. Lucian." As soon as they entered the store, the shop owner came over to Amelia


    and eyed her with a bright smile. "The evening dress you ordered is ready. Is it for this lovelydy?"


    "Yes." Lucian nodded and turned around to Amelia. "Go and try it on."


    "What?" Before Amelia could figure out what was going on, the shop owner grabbed onto her hand and


    ushered her into a spacious dressing room. It was filled with elegant dresses ¡ª evening gowns made


    out of silk, cocktail dresses with intricateces, and a lot more others that left Amelia speechless.


    The shop owner took a dress off the rack and presented it to Amelia. "Miss Amelia, please put this on a


    see if it fits you well," she said, holding up a pastel, strapless dress.


    "Me?" Amelia was surprised. It was then she finally realized what was happening and what the dress


    was for.


    Lucian wanted her to wear something special for Shelly''s birthday party. Although she thought it would


    be best to just go with what Lucian had arranged for her to wear, she was still a bit unwilling.


    ''It''s too.... pink,'' Amelia thought doubtfully.


    "Do you have other styles? A simpler one?" Amelia asked awkwardly.


    "Miss Amelia, this is the style Mr. Lucian personally chose for you. I personally think that this dress


    would suit your lovelyplexion." The way the shop owner spoke was as if she had already


    envisioned Amelia in the dress.


    It seemed that there was no way Amelia was leaving that store without that dress on. With a sigh, she


    took the dress and tried it on.


    The dress was long, and hugged Amelia''s slender body nicely. Taking a look at the mirror, Amelia


    couldn''t help but admit to herself that it did actually look nice on her.


    Judging on how soft and delicate the fabric was, Amelia knew that this dress must have cost a lot.


    "Mrs. Amelia, you are so beautiful! You look quite extraordinary in this dress!" The store owner looked


    at Amelia and marveled, pping her hands in delight.


    Amelia felt a little embarrassed by herpliment. With a half-heartedugh, she lowered her head


    and tried to cover her breasts with her arms. ''I didn''t expect it to be this revealing...'' she thought


    worriedly.


    Then, two other people came in. "Right this way, Mrs. Amelia," one of them said, motioning for Amelia


    to sit in front of a vanity mirror at the corner of the dressing room. As soon as she sat down, they


    quickly made her hair and did her makeup.


    "Mrs. Amelia, you are an undeniably pretty woman. We''ve made your look for today simple enough to


    let your beauty shine through, but elegant enough to entuate your best features," one of the


    dressers exined. "We have put your hair into a half bun and tucked a delicate, white magnolia in it.


    Plus, your skin is so fair that we''ve only used the minimal amount of makeup." The two dressers looked


    at Amelia in the mirror and beamed from ear to ear.


    "Okay," Amelia thought, feeling a bit overwhelmed at everything that was happening. Just when she


    thought that it was about to be over, the shop owner came over with box in her hands.


    In the box was a pair of high-heeled shoes iid with water diamonds. "These are the shoes Mr.


    Lucian had ordered for you," the shop owner said delightedly as she ced the shoes beside Amelia''s


    feet. "Here, let me help you put them on."


    "I..." Amelia stammered, feeling lightheaded. Before she knew it, the shop owner gently lifted up her


    feet one after the other to put the shoes on Amelia. For the past few minutes, Amelia felt like she was a


    piece of wood drifting helplessly along a current. It was all just too surreal.


    Cindere had put on her ss shoes to meet her prince. But what about Amelia? Was Lucian, who


    was patiently waiting outside, her prince?


    "Okay, Mrs. Amelia. I think you''re all ready," the store owner said as she looked up and down Amelia


    with satisfaction.


    At the thought of Lucian, Amelia looked at herself in the mirror again. She felt so ufortable that


    she could barely take a step forward.


    During summer days, she would often wear casual dresses. But this was the first time she wore


    something as bright and extravagant as this.


    "Mrs. Amelia, you have to get going now. You still have a party to attend." The store owner grinned.


    Amelia bit her lower lip and walked out of the dressing room, her high heels clicking against the


    marbled floors.


    "Wow! Mrs. Amelia is so beautiful!" one of the shop assistants eximed. Everyone was looking at


    Amelia with admiration.


    Lucian was quietly sitting on the sofa. When he heard the shop assistant''sment, he looked up at


    Amelia. His eyes widened slightly in surprise.


    Amelia looked so fresh and dazzling. The long, strapless dress hugged her body so elegantly, and the


    color made her white skin even more radiant.


    Usually Amelia dressed simply and inly. But, even without makeup, she was very attractive, and


    looked fresher than a lot of other women of her age. Now that she was wearing such a nice dress, she


    looked even more beautiful.


    "You look great." Lucian stood up and walked to Amelia.


    Blushing, Amelia felt embarrassed. She had wanted to ask Lucian if he thought that it looked too much.


    But she didn''t expect to get Lucian''s approval before she asked.


    "It''s a bit chilly outside. You should put on a coat first so you don''t catch a cold." Before leaving the


    shop, Lucian put a coat on Amelia''s shoulders.


    This made all the female employees of the shop swoon. They all painfully fantasized that they had a


    man like Lucian in their lives.


    As she was not used to wearing high heels, Amelia walked out a few steps and lost her bnce. When


    she was about to fall down, Lucian nimbly wrapped his arms around her waist.


    It was obvious that Amelia was very anxious. When Lucian''s strong arms came to support her, she


    knew she was going to be okay.


    They looked up at each other, their eyes gleaming with undeniable love.


    Lucian helped Amelia up. "Did you sprain your ankle?" he asked in a mellow voice.


    Then he squatted down and checked to see if she had injured herself.


    "No, I''m fine." She stepped back, stretching her legs to make him rest assured.


    When she was changing her clothes, Lucian had also changed into his formal clothes. He was so


    handsome that Amelia couldn''t help but blush even more.


    "I''m sorry that I didn''t ask you for your permission first. If we dress too casually, Shelly and the others


    might think that we don''t care about them," Lucian exined as he straightened up.


    "But, to be honest," he continued, "I don''t care much about that. What''s important is that you''re


    comfortable. I don''t want you to be bothered for the entire duration of the party." He could tell that


    Amelia was not used to wearing high-heeled shoes.


    For some reason, Lucian''s words washed away all the unwillingness Amelia had previously had in her


    heart. ''Maybe it won''t be so bad to wear clothes like this,'' she thought to herself.


    She shook her head with a smile, and said considerately, "It doesn''t matter. Besides, the banquets of


    celebrities are no different from catwalk shows. The only difference is that people at banquets make fun


    of other people''s clothes."


    "Well, that''s a very interestingparison." Lucian smiled. His eyes were full of admiration and joy for


    Amelia.


    The two of them got into the car. As they drove along the road, Lucian would ask Amelia how she was


    doing from time to time.


    Even though it was cold outside, Lucian''s sweet words were enough to warm her.


    "I think you have changed..." looking at Lucian, Amelia said carefully.


    With his eyebrows raised, Lucian nced at Amelia and then smiled happily.


    If Amelia thought that Lucian had changed, did this imply that she had also changed her attitude


    towards him? Had she finally epted him into her life? Lucian couldn''t restrain his excitement.


    He wanted to stop the car and ask her what she meant with what she said, but he didn''t want to push


    her too hard. Besides, they were almost at their destination.


    It wasn''t a big deal if they came to the partyte, but Lucian was a very punctual person. He always


    took his meetings and engagements seriously.


    All the lights were lit in the luxurious An mansion. From the gate, you could already hear the soft


    chatter andughter of guests together with some music.


    Lucian held onto Amelia''s hand the whole time, as if they were going through a thick fog in a forest.


    Everything around them felt so strange and disorienting. It didn''t make it any better that there were a lot


    of eyes fixated on them.


    As soon as they entered the vi, everyone''s attention was on them.


    It was the first time for Amelia to attend such an event. Unfortunately, because of the news about her


    wedding, almost everyone here recognized her.


    "Wow, she is the woman from SJ Garden!"


    "I saw her on the newspaperst time. I think she is at most pretty. But now she looks like a fairy."


    "Has she received any stic surgery?" "I doubt it. No matter how pretty a woman may be, Lucian


    would never go for a woman who had undergone stic surgery."


    "Well, although she has stolen the man I''ve been yearning for, she''s indeed much more beautiful than


    his first love girlfriend..."


    What? First girlfriend? Were they talking about Sasha?


    Amelia continued to walk forward, surrounded by endless whispers. But when she heard about


    Lucian''s first girlfriend, she was suddenly lost in thought. With one careless step, Amelia lost her


    footing and sprained her ankle!


    Suddenly, she felt a sharp paining from the soles of her feet that shot up all the way to her leg.


    She held back her pain and didn''t want to lose face in front of Lucian and everyone else. She kept


    smiling to show her elegance and grace.


    At the moment she sprained her ankle, Lucian''s heart trembled. "Amelia, are you okay?" he whispered


    low beside her ear.


    She looked up at him and nodded her head with a smile.


    The bright light shone on her delicate face. She was beautiful, like a delicate orchid in an empty valley,


    stunning and rare.


    After they finally walked out of the long red carpet and sat down, Amelia felt relieved. Although her feet


    still ached, she did not frown. She pinched on her arm to divert the pain she was feeling from her ankle.


    Lucian had noticed Amelia''s subtle movements.


    "Did you sprain your ankle?" he asked worriedly, intertwining his hand with hers so that she would stop


    pinching herself.


    Amelia''s face suddenly turned red. She blinked her eyes with a guilty conscience, shook her head and


    denied, "No. I''m just a little nervous."


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    "You don''t need to be tough in front of me." His eyes were full of concern, and he held her hand even


    tighter.


    Looking at his affectionate eyes, Amelia nodded slowly. "It''s just a minor sprain. It doesn''t hurt that


    much," she lied softly.

 Chapter 40 Shellys Birthday Party

    Chapter 40 Shelly''s Birthday Party


    "You silly, little girl..." With a tender look in his eyes, Lucian patted the top of Amelia''s head. Then he


    bent down, took off her shoes, and rubbed her ankle gently for her as if no one else was around.


    "Hey, people are watching us!" Amelia protested. But Lucian ignored her and proceeded to massage


    her. She looked around and saw that there were a lot of people looking curiously at them. Blushing


    heavily, Amelia felt so shy that she just wanted to run away and hide.


    Meanwhile, Lucian didn''t seem to be paying attention to the eyes that were on them. "How do you feel?


    Does it still hurt?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.


    It seemed as if Lucian was intent on making Amelia feel better no matter what. As Amelia watched the


    way Lucian was so worried about her, her heart couldn''t help but tremble. Feeling deeply moved, tears


    started to form in her crystal clear eyes.


    "I''m happy right now. It doesn''t hurt anymore," she replied in a soft voice.


    Upon hearing Amelia''s response, Lucian paused and looked up at her delicate face with his deep eyes.


    It was as if a wave had swept over his heart, making it hard for him to maintain hisposure.


    Amelia''s words were like a subtle way of epting Lucian into her life.


    A faint smile yed on the corners of Lucian''s lips as he savored this moment he was having with


    Amelia. The two of them looked at each other as if they were in their own little bubble. There was so


    much love in their eyes that there was no need to voice it out.


    "Lucian!" an angry voice suddenly called out, breaking the moment they were having together.


    Turning around, Amelia saw that it was Shelly.


    Shelly was very beautiful today. Her hair was put up in an elegant, side-swept bun, exposing her


    slender and smooth neck. Since it was a special asion for her, she was wearing a pair of diamond


    earrings and a ne iid with precious gems.


    From the way she was dressed, it was easy to see that she was the star of tonight''s event. As soon as


    she appeared, she drew the attention of the entire crowd. However, the expression on her face was


    sour. There was so much envy and hate in her eyes. Because of this, she looked rather ferocious than


    beautiful, and therefore reduced the guests'' mood.


    On the other hand, Amelia had an elegance and simplicity that easily touched the hearts of others.


    Everyone who looked at her was instantly drawn to her charm. The faint smile on her face was like as


    delicate as a dainty magnolia.


    Hearing Shelly''s angry voice, Lucian was stunned for a second, but he instantly regained his


    composure. "Shelly, happy birthday," he greeted naturally.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    "Miss Shelly, happy birthday to you. I wish you many blessings," Amelia also greeted politely.


    "I don''t need your blessing!" Shelly scoffed, frowning deeply at Amelia, "In fact, you should know that


    I''m not really that delighted to see you here!"


    Even with her hostile words, Amelia still had a smile on her face. It seemed as if she was already used


    to Shelly treating her like this.


    A lot of the guests nearby were able to overhear Shelly''s angry words, which made them wonder as to


    why she was so averse to Amelia.


    "Well, it seems that Miss Shelly is still not giving up. Even in public, she dares to challenge Mr. Lucian''s


    new wife. It seems that it''s not easy to enter a rich and powerful family..." someone whispered behind


    Amelia.


    "The An family and the Zhan family have been friends for over a decade. It seemed that it was easy to


    expect that their family would get connected through somebody''s marriage. But Lucian doesn''t like


    Shelly that way. And so, he married a woman he truly loved instead."


    "I definitely understand where Mr. Lucian ising from. If I were in his position, I would also marry


    someone I wanted. Marriage is not supposed to be about business and money. I think Mrs. Amelia is


    just right for him." There were a lot of people gossiping around them. A faint smile appeared on


    Lucian''s lips. Their words actually made him somewhat happy ¡ª at least the people there understood


    the situation clearly.


    However, he didn''t appreciate the harsh words Shelly said to Amelia. Even though it looked as if


    Amelia was fine with what Shelly had told her, Lucian didn''t like the fact that there was someone being


    so rude towards his wife.


    "Well, Shelly... If that''s the case, we''ll get out of your way then,"


    Lucian said as he put his arm around Amelia''s shoulder. Then, he looked at her with a gentle and


    loving gaze, "Let''s go home?"


    Amelia had not expected that Lucian would be so straightforward like this. She immediately shook her


    head in response. "If we leave now, people might get the wrong idea," Amelia reasoned in a low,


    hushed voice, "They might think that we''re both rude and shallow. Plus, this day isn''t about us. It''s


    Shelly''s birthday celebration. The least we could do is be as cordial as possible."


    After, she slightly tightened her grasp on Lucian''s arm in reassurance. There was no resentment in


    Amelia''s voice when she exined her thoughts to him.


    Lucian smiled as he nodded in agreement. "What about your ankle? Does it still hurt?"


    "No, it doesn''t hurt anymore," Amelia said, blushing heavily. Then she bent down to put her shoes back


    on.


    But before she could do so, Lucian was already putting her shoes on for her.


    Their intimacy and sweetness towards each other made Shelly''s face red with rage. It looked as if she


    was about to blow up any moment now. Gritting her teeth, she grabbed onto Lucian''s shoulder and


    made him look at her. "Lucian, you''re here for my birthday party, aren''t you?" she willfully said with a


    small pout, "Do you really not care about my feelings?"


    There was no doubt that Shelly was an arrogant woman who was used to having her way all time. And


    so, it came without surprise that she would act this way despite the fact that there were so many people


    around.


    Her fingers yfully lingered on Lucian''s shoulder even though Amelia was just right there beside him.


    In Shelly''s eyes, Amelia was no better than a dead fish. Perhaps Shelly acted like this because she felt


    that she had a special ce in Lucian''s heart. After all, they practically grew up together.


    "Shelly, there are so many people around. Can''t you behave yourself for one minute?" Lucian sneered


    quietly, brushing Shelly''s hands off him. Then, he reached over to Amelia and put his arm around her


    waist. "Let''s sit over there, Amelia," he said, pointing to a less crowded corner, "We''ll ask a waiter to get


    a hot towel for your sore ankle."


    Shelly crossed her arms over her chest, feeling greatly insulted at how Lucian ignored her. Suddenly,


    her mood had changed. "Amelia," she called out in a trembling voice, "Today''s my birthday. Is it really


    so wrong for me to ask a childhood friend to spend some time with me?"


    Amelia was a little shocked. Seeing that Shelly was about to cry, she looked at Lucian with panic, not


    knowing how to answer her.


    "Shelly, you are the center of today''s event. Get back on to where you''re supposed to or your parents


    will worry about you," Lucian said coldly. ''What''s up with her now? Is she just changing her tactic?'' he


    thought to himself.


    Shelly''s face turned pale. She looked at Amelia with big and hopeful eyes. "Amelia, aren''t you going to


    back me up?"


    Her pleading tone made Amelia have no reason to refuse.


    "Well, you just said that Shelly''s the center of today''s event," Amelia said to Lucian, "You should agree


    to her requests." Lucian frowned deeply and didn''t say anything else regarding the matter. Instead, he


    urged for them to walk away from Shelly.


    "Let''s go sit down now. We really need to check if your ankle is still swollen," he said, gently pulling


    Amelia along with him.


    "Why can''t you just apany Miss Shelly for a little while?" Amelia asked, not expecting that Lucian


    would try andpletely ignore what she said.


    Lucian let out a deep sigh. He didn''t think that Amelia would keep pressing on the matter.


    "Do you really want me to spend time with Shelly?" he asked bitterly.


    In her heart, Amelia really didn''t want to. But when she saw Shelly''s pitiful face, Amelia thought that it


    was better if Lucian just went along with her request. What''s more, there were so many other people


    around. Amelia didn''t want to embarrass Shelly.


    ''Plus, if I don''t let Lucian go with her, she might cause even more trouble for me,'' Amelia thought.


    "Of course!" Amelia said with a smile and a nod.


    Her acting was so convincing that she almost fooled herself for a second.


    After a short silence, Lucian looked at Amelia and smiled wryly. Then he nodded, "Since this is what


    you want, I''ll do it."


    Somehow, after hearing his words, a sudden pain came over Amelia.


    She looked at Lucian''s face, her smile frozen in ce. Lucian said to Shelly in an indifferent tone, "Let''s


    go. I''ll take you back to the stage."


    "Oh, Lucian! Thank you!" Shelly pped with joy as she walked over to him.


    Amelia watched Shelly and Lucian walk onto the stage arm in arm. The two of them looked like an


    actual couple.


    Although she felt a little bit disappointed, she still wore a smile on her face and didn''t say anything else.


    She was the one who asked for this to happen after all.


    "Look at Lucian and Shelly together! They look perfect for each other!"


    "Lucian''s just too perfect. If he held up a rock, I''m sure he would make it appear valuable."


    The two girls were gossiping behind her. At that moment, Amelia looked at Lucian and Shelly getting up


    on the stage. It was as if they were way beyond her reach, like brilliant stars far off in night sky.


    A middle-aged man, who was most likely Shelly''s father, came to greet Lucian with a pat on the back. It


    was none other than Edmund An. "Thank you for attending my daughter''s birthday party. I would also


    like to thank my old friend foring. It''s an honor to have you here," he announced to the guests.


    There was a grateful look on Edmund''s face as he thanked the guests and the arrival of the Zhan


    family.


    From the corner of her eye, Amelia saw Nichs and Fannie. Amelia was a bit surprised as she didn''t


    see them when she had entered the hall with Lucian just a while back.


    Fannie was wearing her nicest jewelry as she stood behind Nichs. It was so obvious that she was


    happy to see Lucian and Shelly together.


    The woman standing next to Edmund wore in clothes. Even though her look was fairly simple, she


    was quite elegant and ssy.


    It was probably because she also had such a nice smile on her face.


    "Does he really have to single out the Zhan family like that in his little speech? Lucian''s married, isn''t


    he? Why does the An family have to be such social climbers?"


    The girl sitting behind Amelia began to murmur again.


    "Keep your voice down. Mrs. Amelia is sitting in front of us. Aren''t you afraid..." the other girl interrupted


    in a hushed voice.


    "Look at Shelly though... She''s holding onto Mr. Lucian so tightly! I''m sure those who don''t know her


    well would think she''s Mr. Lucian''s wife!" the girlined angrily.


    "Oh,e on! Mrs. Amelia has been smiling the entire time! She''s obviously not worried about Shelly


    and neither should you."


    "¡­¡­"


    Amelia''s mind went nk after she heard the two girls gossiping. She tried to focus her attention on the


    stage, but her sight was getting blurry from the tears lingering in her eyes. With a deep breath, she


    lowered her head and busied herself with her phone.


    In the next second, she heard another announcement being made on the stage...


    "The Zhan family and the An family have reached an agreement ten years ago that when my daughter


    Shelly has reached twenty years old, she is to be wed with Lucian!"

 Chapter 41 Long Time No See

    Chapter 41 Long Time No See


    "Oh my God! What is he doing?" the girl behind asked anxiously. Her screaming only affirmed Amelia''s


    suspicions.


    The atmosphere was thick with tension. Edmund had dropped a bomb. Needless to say, Amelia was


    utterly shocked out of her wits. As she directed her gaze to the stage, her mind went to what had just


    happened earlier...


    On the stage, Nichs and Lucian were visibly shocked. They looked at Edmund in surprise.


    "Nichs, Lucian, I decided this without consulting either of you. No need to me me. This had to


    happen sooner orter." Edmund gave an apologetic look to Lucian and then said to all the guests,


    "Have a good night!"


    After a warm round of apuse from the audience, the waiter asked Amelia to head to the dining room


    upstairs.


    After hesitating for a while, Amelia smiled bashfully as she let herself be led by the waiter upstairs.


    The waiter began serving food much to Amelia''s disinterest as Edmund''s words were still ringing in her


    head.


    When she first met with Lucian''s parents, she had found out that Lucian and Shelly were engaged. At


    that time, she didn''t think much of it.


    She felt as if she had destroyed an engagement when she found out about this.


    "Hello, are you Miss Amelia?" All of a sudden, a man in a ck suit stood in front of her and asked her


    politely.


    Quickly gathering herself, she nodded and said, "Yes, I''m Amelia."


    "I''m Mr. An''s assistant. Mr. An would like to meet you." Mr. An.. Edmund An?


    She then followed the man out of the dining area.


    The man led Amelia to the end of the corridor. He stopped in front of what seemed like a private room


    and knocked on the door.


    "Come in, please." A male voice came from inside the room. It wasn''t Edmund so it had to be someone


    else.


    The door was opened. Amelia looked up and was stunned when she saw the man inside the room.


    He looked very familiar yet she couldn''t quite figure out yet why.


    The man was wearing a knitted sweater over a white shirt. He looked about the same age as Lucian.


    He grinned when he saw Amelia.


    It was a warm smile.


    Amelia couldn''t shake off the feeling that she knew who this man was but she just couldn''t remember


    his name.


    "Hey, long time no see, Amelia," the man said with much ease as he pulled out a chair. "Please have a


    seat."


    Amelia was both surprised and confused.


    It seemed that they were quite familiar with each other. But why couldn''t she remember him?


    "You''re probably wondering who I am." The man sat across from Amelia and looked at her with a


    mysterious smile on his face.


    As she gazed back at him, she tried to rack her mind but she came up with nothing¡ªshe still couldn''t


    figure out who he was.


    Then, out of curiosity, Amelia asked, "Are you sure you know me? Because I don''t think I know you."


    Her eyes were filled with innocence as the man seemed upset.


    However, he was quickly able to recover and immediately put on a smile. "Jonny An," he exined,


    "Your senior and your pen pal. I''ve been writing you letters for about three years now."


    "Jonny..." Amelia repeated. "Yes, I remember! You used to give me advice and you even helped me


    move on after my mother died..."


    Upon seeing her excitement, his face lit up.


    "I''m sorry. I disturbed you in the middle of your dinner. Well, we can eat now," Jonny said with a smile


    as he helped Amelia put some food in her bowl.


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    She was a little embarrassed. "I can do it myself, Jonny."


    She grabbed her bowl, a stiff smile on her face.


    Jonny paused for the slightest second before smiling in response. "You''re right. You''re probably used to


    Lucian helping you anyway."


    Amelia''s hands, which were holding her chopsticks, suddenly trembled upon the mention of Lucian''s


    name. Grief filled her eyes at once.


    Upon noticing her silence, something seemed to click in his head. He smiled and said, "Amelia, are you


    ufortable because of what my dad just announced?"


    Amelia was stunned¡ªhow did he know what she was thinking? Was it that obvious?


    "No, it''s not that." Her face was slightly red out of guilt.


    "Amelia. Even though we onlymunicated via letters, I still believe that I know you pretty well."


    Jonny smiled and looked at her. He sighed, "How time flies! It''s been ten years and you''ve grown into


    such a beautiful woman."


    Amelia nodded in agreement but thepliment embarrassed her.


    "When I just saw you, I couldn''t shake off the feeling that you were familiar. I just couldn''t figure out


    your name," Amelia said apologetically.


    "It''s not your fault. I only gave you one photo, how could you remember?" Jonny said dismissively then


    he added, "It seems like you and Lucian are a perfect match."


    This made Amelia a little confused. She asked, "Why do you say that?" She''d only met Lucian less


    than a month ago. How could he say that they were perfect together?


    "Well... Look at me. I don''t even know what to say to you." Jonny suddenly became stiff and seemingly


    ufortable. He then blurted out, "You''re probably hungry. Eat. Help yourself to the food."


    Amelia decided to let it go and just continue eating in silence.


    After a while, Jonny asked tentatively, "Amelia, are you happy with your marriage to Lucian?"


    Happiness... She and Lucian had just talked about it earlier. Without giving it much thought, she said


    with a smile, "He''s good."


    Her simple response was enough to show what she really felt.


    A look of disappointment shed through Jonny''s eyes. Then he said with a smile, "Please don''t tell


    Lucian about our rtionship, okay?"


    "What?" Amelia asked in confusion then she quickly agreed, "Okay."


    "If you''re going through anything, you''re free to call me. Here. That has my number on it." Jonny then


    handed Amelia his business card.


    Amelia politely took the business card. It read, "Reporter of Buddha City Evening Paper, Jonny An."


    Amelia was only 15 years old when she met Jonny. Iris had just died and Amelia fell into a deep


    depression to the point that she had consideredmitting suicide. She would stand by the river and


    stare at it nkly. Her ssmates started being concerned about her that news about it soon spread


    throughout their school. By then, everyone practically knew her. Some made fun of her while some


    sympathized with her by writing her letters as a way tofort her. Jonny was one of the people who


    would write her letters.


    "By the way, I remember that you didn''t know my name then. You kept calling me elf..." As she recalled


    this, her face flushed a pink hue.


    Jonny''s face shifted for the slightest second but as usual, he was quickly able to recover. Putting on a


    rxed smile, he said, "Yes, that''s what I... used to call you."


    "Then why do you call me Amelia now? And how do you know that was me?" Amelia pressed.


    It seemed that Amelia was still a bit suspicious. Jonny answered easily, "You sent me a photo,


    remember? I immediately recognized you when you were all over the news because you married


    Lucian. I knew it was you."


    "Oh, so that was it..." Amelia finally figured out what had happened. She then said as a way to tease


    herself, "It seems that I haven''t changed in all the years that have gone by."


    "You''ve be a beautiful woman." Jonny gazed at her as if he was mesmerized.


    After the meal, Amelia was a little restless, "Jonny, I''m full. Could you..."


    She was worried that Lucian wouldn''t be able to find her.


    Jonny already knew what she meant. He teased, "Well, you''re married now after all. Your top concern


    is Lucian."


    Amelia blushed as she exined, "I didn''t see him before I went up here so I wasn''t able to tell him. I


    just don''t want him to..."


    She didn''t know why she was so nervous. Was she worried about Lucian? Or was she just afraid of


    him?


    "Let''s go. I''ll help you look for him." Jonny stood up and put his coat over Amelia''s shoulder. He said


    thoughtfully, "It must suck for you girls to attend parties like this. It gets cold so just wear it."


    "Jonny, I thought you didn''t want him to know about you? If youe with me, he''ll definitely ask about


    you," Amelia said.


    "Don''t worry. I''ll protect you and make sure that Lucian doesn''t misunderstand anything," Jonny replied,


    grinning.


    In reality, she didn''t really mean it that way. She just figured she could go downstairs by herself to look


    for Lucian.


    When they left the private room, Jonny led Amelia to another private room which was more crowded


    than the one they had just been in.


    Inside the room, Nichs was giving a toast to Edmund while Fannie chatted with Shelly. Shelly''s


    mother was sitting by the side looking rather ufortable.


    More importantly, Lucian was nowhere to be found.


    "Oh, I thought it''s someone else," Fannie snorted as she cast an evil nce toward Amelia upon the


    latter entering the room.


    Amelia was used to it. With an awkward smile on her face, she bowed to everyone and apologized,


    "Sorry to interrupt you. I''m leaving now."


    The moment Amelia came in, Shelly was immediately seething.


    It seemed that she didn''t want to say anything bad in front of Edmund and Nichs so she just merely


    red at Amelia.

 Chapter 42 Stay With Me

    Chapter 42 Stay With Me


    With a wine ss in his hand, Edmund looked at Amelia and Jonny in surprise. As far as he was


    concerned, they were uninvited guests. He would never call them inside.


    Nichs smiled pleasantly and said, "It''s Amelia. Come and sit here."


    "Father..." Amelia greeted Nichs with an awkward smile and pointed at the door. "I thought Lucian


    was here. I''ll leave now."


    When she saw everyone''s unpleasant expressions, she lowered her head. She had no intention of


    annoying the rest of them.


    "What did you call him?" Fannie stared at Amelia in disgust and said, "You seduced Lucian, and now


    you''re eyeing his father too? How can you be so shameless? You don''t belong to our family. Did you


    even consider your status before calling him father?"


    "Stop talking, Fannie!" Nichs interrupted Fannie and red at her. Her words were too mean! He


    turned to Amelia, who was standing at the door and said, "Amelia, Lucian was looking for you a while


    ago. You might find him downstairs. Go and take a look."


    "Okay." Amelia nodded, keeping her face straight.


    She was good at hiding her emotions. Even if someone wronged her, she would not show it on her


    face, but hid bitterness in her heart.


    Amelia was brought out of her thoughts by an angry voice. "Jonny, why are you standing there? Come


    and propose a toast to your uncle!" Edmund scolded Jonny and gazed at him with a stern face.


    Jonny ignored his father and turned to greet Nichs with a polite smile.


    "Edmund, he is a grownup now. Stop ordering as amander, and leave him alone." Nichs gulped


    the wine and smiled at Jonny. "Your design work is too good. I appreciate your hard-work."


    Anyone would be happy after receiving appreciation, and Jonny wasn¡¯t a stranger to these feelings.


    Stepping forward, he raised his ss and said happily, "Thank you, Uncle Nichs. Now I feel that I


    made the right choice."


    "I''m sure you will have a bright future if you seize this opportunity." Nichs ced his hand on Jonny¡¯s


    shoulder and looked at him in appreciation. Patting on the shoulder, Nichs said with a smile, "I''ve


    seen you and Lucian grow, Jonny."


    Jonny''s lips stretched to form a pleasant smile. "After work, I will go to the Zhan mansion to y chess


    with you." Jonny was thankful to Nichs for thetter''s kind words.


    Nichs said nothing but nodded his head repeatedly.


    Their conversation made the atmosphere warmer. Unfortunately, Edmund decided to bring the


    temperature down to the freezing point.


    "Nichs, I have always been against his work. But look at you! Instead of supporting me, you do just


    the opposite!" Edmund¡¯s tone was filled with hostility. That was when Amelia realized that the


    rtionship between Edmund and his son wasn¡¯t good.


    Jonny stiffened for a moment, but he managed to sh a smile on his lips. "Today is Shelly''s birthday


    party. For her sake, let¡¯s not dwell on the topics that can ruin the party." Turning to look at the elegant


    woman sitting beside Edmund, Jonny grinned and asked, "Mom, how are you doing?"


    The corners of the woman''s lips curved up to form a satisfying smile. She looked at Jonny and said


    kindly, "Pretty good."


    Being afraid as if she would break something with her voice, she didn¡¯t dare to speak in a rash tone.


    Jonny nodded. "Be careful when you head out. I wouldn''t want you to catch a fever."


    A trace of warmth spread across the room again, but Edmund seemed unhappy. He nced at Amelia


    standing behind Jonny, and his face turned dark. "Why are you two together?"


    He was determined to stir things up.


    Everyone was intrigued after looking at Amelia. Fannie snorted and muttered unhappily, "She must


    pretend to be a lostmb trying to attract men''s attention."


    Being annoyed by Fannie''s words, Nichs pulled a long face and shot a sharp nced at her.


    Even though Amelia had gotten used to Fannie''s malice, she was guilty because of Jonny''s


    involvement.


    Jonny smiled calmly. "Yes, she was lost, but I found her, thankfully. Did I do something wrong?" His


    fearless eyes stared at Fannie for a long time.


    Fannie looked away in embarrassment and continued, "It''s normal for a woman like her to get lost."


    Ignoring Fannie, Jonny turned to face Amelia and asked, "Lucian isn''t here. Let¡¯s go downstairs, okay?"


    Before Amelia could open her mouth, Shelly stood up and shouted in a high-pitched tone, "Jonny, I''m


    your sister! Why do you side with a woman who stole Lucian from me?"


    Shelly had wanted tosh out at someone, and when seeing Jonny and Amelia, she couldn¡¯t help it.


    How could he talk to that woman in such a pleasing voice?


    Amelia felt as if the room was filled with the smell of gunpowder.


    "Shelly, I don''t want to get involved in your rtionship. I''m just helping a lost person." Jonny didn''t give


    her a second nce and whispered to Amelia, "Let''s go."


    Bowing respectfully, Amelia turned around to open the door only to be utterly shocked by what she


    saw.


    She could see a familiar man before her who was about to push the door open, and the next second,


    her stiff body was hugged by the man. It was none other than Lucian.


    "Where have you been?" Lucian tightened his arms around her waist, and said worriedly, "I had


    checked the entire house, but I still couldn¡¯t find you. I was so close to calling the police."


    Her frozen body melted after hearing his words, and loving warmth spread in her heart.


    His worried face made her feel blissful.


    "Hey, Lucian, when did you be so... tired?" Jonny stood aside and coughed intentionally.


    Hearing Jonny''s cough, Amelia jerked and struggled out of Lucian''s arms. She lowered her head to


    hide her blushing face.


    With a faint smile on his face, Lucian ced his arm around Amelia''s shoulder. "You already know why


    I''m tired."


    Jonny covered his eyes and said with a hint of sarcasm, "A blind person like me can''t see you two


    acting all lovey-dovey like this."


    Lucian grinned and yfully punched on Jonny''s chest, teasing him deliberately, "You can also show


    off!"


    The two of them conversed happily, ignoring the curious eyes of guests in the room. Three very familiar


    people had dark expressions on their faces. Except for Jonny¡¯s mother and Nichs, everyone


    seemed either intrigued or irritated. Fannie¡¯s eyes were especially darker than usual as she stared at


    Amelia fiercely.


    "Lucian, Shelly should be the center of attention today. Don¡¯t dare steal her thunder," said Fannie


    suppressing her anger.


    The smile on Lucian''s face disappeared, and he turned to throw a sharp nce at his mother. "You''re


    right. I''ll leave with Amelia to make things easy for you."


    Lucian had been annoyed after listening to Edmund¡¯s clumsy speech. As a junior, Lucian had already


    showed his respect by curbing the urge to walk out of the door at the beginning of the banquet.


    A flush of guilt washed over his face when he thought of how Amelia was left alone in such a strange


    ce because he wanted to show respect to Edmund.


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    "You''re leaving so early?" Walking over hastily, Shelly held Lucian''s arm and sobbed. "Lucian, today is


    mying-of-age ceremony, and you¡¯re leaving? Why can¡¯t you be here with me, at least today?"


    Her voice trembled, and she nced at him with moistened eyes.


    Lucian nced at her coldly before sneering at her expressions. "Shelly, you are mature now, who


    shouldn¡¯t behave like this on trivial matters. You should be more sensible from now on." He pulled


    himself out of Shelly''s grip and held Amelia''s hand tightly. His eyes softened and said, "I hope you can


    be friendly to my wife, Amelia."


    Shelly''s face turned pale, and her legs wobbled. The strength in her knees drained away in an instant.


    She couldn''t ept it! Shelly said in an urging tone, "Lucian, I have seen you as a husband for years!


    God, don¡¯t you know how long I waited for this day to be your wife? But I never expected it to be


    my wishful thinking."


    What Shelly said broke Amelia''s heart.


    Amelia had thought that Shelly was making trouble on purpose with her harsh words. But now, the


    situation seemed even more severe. Shelly hadn¡¯t been aware of the fact that everything had changed.


    The blow to her heart had to be hefty.


    "Shelly, you will meet your Mr. Right." With a warm smile, Lucian squeezed Amelia''s hand and walked


    out of the private room.


    When Amelia stepped out of the house, she shivered because of the cold wind that blew on her face.


    She hastily rushed inside the car, where warmth spread across her limbs, but her heart was still being


    pierced bit-by-bit after thinking of Shelly.


    "Whose coat is it?" Lucian frowned when his eyes swept on an unknown coat Amelia was wearing.


    Amelia absentmindedly stared at the window before she heard Lucian, and her eyes darted at the coat.


    How could she forget to give it back to Jonny?


    Noticing that Lucian was staring at the coat with an aggressive look on his face, Amelia¡¯s face turned


    red in embarrassment. How could she tell him the truth? But if she wouldn¡¯t say anything, he might get


    it all wrong. "A passer-by gave it to me out of kindness."


    Jonny especially requested her not to tell Lucian about their rtionship. She had to bit her tongue to


    stop herself from speaking the name "Jonny" in front of Lucian.


    "A kind-hearted passer-by?" He stared at the priceless coat in disbelief and said, "Why don''t you give


    me his phone number to thank him for his generosity?"


    Amelia¡¯s heartbeat sped after hearing his tone. She took repeated breaths to calm her heart. "I didn''t


    even ask his name. How would I know his number?"


    Seeing that she did not wish to answer truthfully, Lucian had to suppress his


    doubts.

 Chapter 43 We Must Sleep In The Same Room Tonight

    Chapter 43 We Must Sleep In The Same Room Tonight


    As soon as the car arrived at the SJ Garden, Lucian took off his coat and the coat Amelia had put on


    her own shoulder. He said possessively, "My woman can only wear my clothes."


    Looking at his childish yet serious face, Amelia said nothing but felt happy.


    Girls like to be cared and loved by boys. They enjoy a sweet caress and a warm embrace. Being loved


    and capable of reciprocating love is, to them, one of the most pleasant things in the world. Amelia was


    entranced by that very feeling right now. As though her heart was filled with vast oceans of ecstasy.


    But the coat wasn''t hers. It was Jonny''s and she couldn''t lose it, so she took it from Lucian and held it


    in her arms.


    Lucian felt jealous at the sight of Amelia''s reaction but he didn''t want to show it. He had to bury the


    impulse to get to the bottom of the matter.


    "I''ll go upstairs first." She nned to wash Jonny''s coat in the washing machine and return it to him.


    Seeing she was holding the well-designed suit made of in but soft fabric, Lucian couldn''t help but


    ask, "Do you want to take that upstairs?"


    "Oh... Yes." Amelia froze. Every inch of her body quickly stiffened with panic. She looked at him and


    exined, "It''s from a kind man! I don''t think it''s appropriate to throw it away."


    "So it is." He smiled enough to conceal the jealousy. "I''ll wait for you in the bedroom," he reminded her.


    "Bedroom?" With widened eyes, Amelia was at a loss for what Lucian meant.


    Noticing how confused she looked, Lucian appeased her. "I wanted to ask for your opinion. But since


    you seem anxious to know right away, I will tell you directly."


    "Lucian, what are you doing? What''s going on?" By this time, Lucian was a few meters away from


    Amelia, and he entered her room.


    "We must sleep in the same room tonight," he spoke in a calm and smooth tone without a hint of


    embarrassment or hesitation at all. So much so, he began collecting Amelia''s toiletries.


    Tonight at Shelly''s birthday party, Fannie let the cat out of the bag as evidence of Lucian''s discord with


    Amelia. She said Lucian just wanted to cheat them with the excuse that he married Amelia.


    What Fannie said had hit the nail on the head. Lucian, however, had a crush on Amelia now and didn''t


    want her to think they were still contractually bound in matrimony.


    Amelia was stunned. She couldn''t fathom how all these were being unraveled to her.


    After a short while, Lucian moved all of Amelia''s necessities to the master bedroom.


    "You know, we used to be interns. After we finished our internship, we are now a qualified couple," said


    Lucian. Seeing how his words left Amelia perplexed and distracted, he gently caressed her head as


    thoughforting a wounded sheep.


    Lucian''s words made Amelia shocked and incapable of making a response.


    When she realized her necessities had been moved by Lucian, she immediately ran to his bedroom,


    only to find out the room had already been arranged. Then, Lily said with a smile, "Mrs. Amelia, I have


    arranged everything ording to Mr. Lucian''s orders. Please, have a look around. Should there be


    anything you aren''t satisfied with, please tell me."


    The single color quilt was reced with one in bright red. Even the pillows were embroidered with two


    mandarin ducks. ''How did this entire scene morph into a wedding room?!'' Amelia thought.


    Everything in the room was elegant and luxurious. With a jovial expression, Lucian sent Lily away and


    walked to Amelia. He exined in a soft voice, "Amelia, we slept in separate rooms before because


    our marriage was just a show for others. But now, I... I''m in love with you. I don''t want to be far apart


    from you."


    Amelia noticed the timidity on Lucian''s face. She swore she saw him blush a bit. The embarrassment


    he felt even made him stutter.


    Amelia looked nkly at the handsome man in front of her. Once more, she was at a loss for words. As


    though her heart was pulled tighter all of a sudden, she couldn''t respond.


    Although she had a crush on him, she wasn''t prepared to go out with him. Let alone, sleep on the same


    bed with him. ''What speed!'' Amelia thought.


    "Lucian, I''m sorry but I can''t do that..." She had already lost her heart in a rtionship once. This time,


    she was eager not to wear her heart on her sleeve. This time, she proceeded with sound reasoning.


    Lucian was a man of excellence. He was the ideal lover in the eyes of a thousand girls. How could a


    run-of-the-mill girl like her get along well with such a perfect man?


    "Why not?" Lucian''s deep eyes locked into Amelia''s face. He hadn''t the slightest idea why Amelia


    refused to ept his love.


    Amelia couldn''t remove her gaze from the man''s handsome face. So Amelia exined to Lucian in a


    low, almost inaudible, voice, "We haven''t known each other for a long time. I mean, have you seen me


    in my bad days? Because I sure haven''t seen you in yours. Are you even sure it''s love you have for


    me? I''m sorry but I just can''tmit. Please forgive me."


    Amelia felt as though she had fallen into a pit¡ªufortable and stuck. She''s always hated that


    feeling. She felt a sense of loss the moment she let those words out. Not enough loss, however, to


    surpass how Lucian was feeling.


    Lucian was almost impable, condescending even. The next words he uttered made Amelia feel he


    was untouchable, mounted on his high horse.


    "Are you rejecting me?" Lucian looked at Amelia with a faint smile and destion in his eyes. A hint of


    bitterness shed in the corners of his mouth. The expression on his face broke Amelia''s heart.


    ''Rejecting you?'' Amelia thought of the gravity of the word. Should she nod or shake her head?


    She didn''t mean to hurt him at all. But Lucian was such an excellent man that she would never dream


    of ending up with him. He lived in an ivory tower standing on the magnificent skies, while she walked


    barefoot on the cold, hard ground.


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    In the beginning, before all this hubaloo, it was all just acting. A shtick for people to witness. She''d


    y her role squarely, follow the lines, be wronged, ept his care¡ªtypical actions a girlfriend would


    do for her man. She rode along with whatever script was given to her because knew everything would


    be over.


    "I''m sorry." She bit her lower lip and looked down, apologetic.


    She assured him she felt nothing but happiness from the bottom of her heart. That moment, she felt


    more satisfied than having the whole world.


    However, she had to face up to this problem. She had always been in panic. She couldn''t take it, and


    she felt depressed to push it away.


    Those words ruined the hope in Lucian''s eyes.


    He puckered his lips, as if trying to absorb the words that deeply hurt his heart.


    "It doesn''t matter." His voice was both light and deep, like a bright and positive tone along with the


    density of the message.


    After a moment of deafening silence, Amelia took a nce at Lucian secretly and found that he was


    calm. It was as if he had already conditioned his mind to whatever reply she gave him. "Will our


    rtionship continue?"


    she asked cautiously and felt inexplicably flustered. She felt what she said was contrary to what she


    really thought.


    However, what she said cannot be undone. There was nothing she could do to make him change his


    mind, so she had to listen to his reply.


    With his eyes dimmed, Lucian sneered, "Are you that eager to leave me?"


    The "sorry" she said to him just now had already hurt him deeply, however apologetic it was. He felt


    extremely frustrated the moment she wanted to end this rtionship with him.


    He was a business tycoon, a force to be reckoned with in his craft. He was even regarded as a god by


    his rivals. He was decisive. Since he took over thepany, the performance of the Zhan Group had


    soared to heights beyond what everyone expected. Everything went smoothly with him at the helm of


    every transaction. This made him confident and proud. With what he''d proven in the business industry,


    never did he think his frustrations would stem from a woman.


    "Of course not!" Amelia was quick to deny. Her face blushed, and she shyly said, "I just think you''re a


    dream beyond my reach, you know, like this is all too good to be true. This is why I try so hard not to


    get too attached."


    When she woke up from the drunkenness, her mind was deeply engraved with his handsome face.


    Although Lucian never really made quite an impression on her, she realized he wasn''t so difficult to get


    along with as days passed.


    He even helped Amelia in front of Ynda and Jasper to save her reputation. He cured Vernon''s


    disease and allowed her to bring Iris''s photo to the SJ Garden. Tonight at Shelly''s birthday party, he


    massaged her feet regardless of other people''s stares.


    The memories brought happiness to her, and she felt a little greedy when she didn''t want to give it all


    up. When Lucian asked her if she wanted to leave, she was reluctant. Her emotions were going


    bonkers inside her. One contradictory to the other. She didn''t know what exactly it was she was feeling.


    This all made her want to p herself.


    He finally understood why she was hesitating.


    "I will make that dream of yourse true." With a restrained smile on his lips, Lucian looked firm in


    his eyes. "It''s not that you dislike me. I know you don''t. If there''s the tiniest part of you that likes me


    back, please give yourself a chance, and give me a chance to love you as well."


    Amelia''s heart was beating fast and her face blushed a reddish glow at those words from Lucian''s lips.


    "It''s gettingte. We have to get to bed early." Amelia changed the topic. She knew the redness of her


    cheeks was showing. She was rendered incapable of speaking, yet again. She didn''t know how to


    answer, let alone, what to answer.


    With his eyebrows raised, Lucian smiled slightly, nodded and said, "Well, you have to go to work


    tomorrow. Go to bed early."


    "Yes." Amelia nodded her head and turned away.


    "You can sleep in the master bedroom tonight," said Lucian. He took Amelia''s hand and gave her a hint


    with his twinkling eyes.


    "No way!" Amelia got rid of his hand immediately. She frowned and said unhappily, "It seems that what


    I said just now has all be a giant blob of nonsense!"


    Lucian realized that she thought too much. Heughed and said, "Don''t take me the bad guy here,


    Amelia. What were you thinking before I could even finish my words?"


    The more he pried, the worse the result would be.


    Amelia already had a crush on him. He was not eager to win her affection, but he wanted to get a


    chance to know more about her in the days toe. This, to Lucian, was key to having a more solid


    rtionship with her.


    "I''ll sleep here. Where are you going to sleep?" she asked, her face still red with blush.


    "Of course I..." Lucian drew his face closer to her and smelt the scent of her. "...sleep next to you," he


    teased.


    Amelia red at Lucian, pped him on the arm and said, "Shame on you to say you''re not a


    lascivious man. I know about your history so I''d better be on guard around you."


    She didn''t forget Lucian took photos of her while she was intoxicated. At the thought of this, her


    affections for him dwindled, and she felt weak.

 Chapter 44 He Was Worried About Her

    Chapter 44 He Was Worried About Her


    Looking at her angry face, Lucian couldn''t help let out a chuckle, his eyes full of tenderness. "Don''t


    worry, Amelia. I won''t force you. I''m just going to have to wait."


    He then sat down on the sofa, looking as elegant as ever.


    "Since you aren''t sleepy yet, I''m going to bed." Amelia was just about to move her things that Lucian


    had brought into the room when he stopped her.


    "That wasn''t a very nice thing to say, was it?" ''Why is she so stubborn?'' he thought to himself glumly.


    Still, in his most patient voice, he offered, "You sleep on the bed and I''ll sleep on the sofa, okay?"


    "What?" Amelia widened her eyes in disbelief.


    It was already weird enough that they were sleeping in the same room so if he slept on the sofa, it


    would just make things weirder than it already was. She''d never agree to that arrangement.


    "Don''t forget that we''re married. If we continue sleeping in separate rooms, sooner orter, Lily''s going


    to get suspicious. Do you want my mother toe over?" This rendered Amelia speechless.


    Was he going to hold that over her head forever?


    "Lucian, stop threatening me with these things. I''m not scared!" Amelia spat.


    Eyes dimming, Lucian pretended he was angry too. Grabbing the pillow on the bed, he said coldly,


    "Okay. I''m more concerned about you moving out of the SJ Garden than having to sleep in separate


    rooms."


    While his concern for her was genuine, he didn''t want to threaten her or force her into any decisions


    right now even though he''d already done it before with the photos.


    Shocked, Amelia merely watched him as she could tell that he was upset.


    She wondered to herself if she''d gone too far this time.


    "Lucian, wait!" Amelia hastily stopped him.


    With a gloating smile, Lucian merely stopped but he didn''t turn around. It seemed as if he had already


    expected that Amelia would stop him.


    "What is it?" He pulled a long face, sullen but not cold.


    "It''s cold. Take the quilt with you." Amelia only said this as a way to ease the tension between them.


    Lucian was obviously disappointed¡ªhe thought Amelia would ask him to stay. The excitement in his


    heart quickly died down.


    "It''s my heart that''s cold. No matter how many quilts I take with me, that won''t work," Lucian said lightly,


    cing a hand over his chest. By this time, Amelia''s face was already flushing a deep pink hue.


    With that, Lucian left, closing the door behind him.


    Amelia was left in a daze. For some reason, she felt empty in her heart.


    She leaned against the door and stared nkly into nothing for a while. Then shey on the bed. Her


    heart was beating rapidly as Lucian''s words kept reying in her head.


    The next morning, Amelia got up, washed herself, and went downstairs for breakfast.


    She didn''t really have a good night''s sleep that night. She kept on tossing and turning, unable to fall


    asleep.


    The dark circles under her eyes were obvious. She wasn''t really the type to put on make-up so she


    looked quite tired.


    When she came downstairs, Lucian was already having breakfast at the table. He said inly, "You


    have ten minutes."


    In response, Amelia nced at her phone. There was still an hour left before work and it only took


    them about half an hour to go to the office which meant that she still had half an hour left.


    Displeased, she rolled her eyes at him when he turned away. Then she grabbed her breakfast on the


    table and headed to the door.


    Despite being angry, she had to suck it up or else she wouldn''t get a ride going to work.


    Lucian grinned wickedly as he watched Amelia hurry towards the door.


    Seeing him sitting in the car leisurely, Amelia was pissed off. She pouted before she began eating her


    breakfast.


    However, upon taking the first bite, it seemed as if she suddenly remembered something. She quickly


    spat it out and then covered her mouth and nose as she dangled her head over the car window.


    Confused and concerned, Lucian asked, "What''s going on?"


    "Just drive." Amelia wasn''t really in the mood to talk to him. She just didn''t want to vomit as she was


    prone to car sickness. Dangling her head over the car window was her way of preventing this as the


    morning breeze always calmed her down.


    "You threw me out of the roomst night and that embarrassed me. I just thought I''d get back at you


    this morning," Lucian said, raising his eyebrows. He''d assumed that Amelia was just mad at him.


    ''How childish!'' Amelia thought to herself as she didn''t want to retort anymore.


    Still, there was a part of her that thought Lucian was adorable. She preferred Lucian like this rather


    than his usual indifferent self.


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Amelia had always had issues with car sickness ever since she was a child. Due to her issues with car


    sickness, Iris would ride a bicycle every day to apany her going to school. On the weekends, they


    would do the same thing.


    As she thought of this, her eyes started welling up, sadness filling her heart.


    Amelia had been feeling dizzy for a while. She''d been feeling upset recently and the sharp pain that


    shot up in her stomach didn''t help.


    She''d already gotten used to this feeling. Normally, she''d pinch her palm as a way to deal with the pain


    but this time, it didn''t seem to be working. Beads of sweat had started forming on her forehead.


    Lucian nced at her when she didn''t say anything.


    "Amelia, what''s happening?" He immediately mmed his foot on the brakes as he could tell that


    something was wrong with her. Laying a hand on her forehead, he felt as if his heart would jump out of


    his chest when he noticed how much she was sweating. "Just hold on for a while. I''m taking you to the


    hospital," he said urgently.


    "No! I''ll be fine in a while!" Amelia protested.


    She just felt dizzy. She just needed to get off the car and she would feel better already.


    However, Lucian drove as quickly as he could. Soon, they arrived at the hospital.


    Amelia didn''t expect any of this to happen. She only ever saw these kinds of things happening on TV.


    Lucian had taken her into his arms as he rushed inside the hospital.


    Lucian wasn''t embarrassed at all. If anything, he''d even attracted the attention of a group of female


    nurses as he was so handsome.


    Even though everything felt painful, Amelia merely stared up into Lucian''s face. She had a good view of


    his perfect jaw line.


    During the short time they had spent together, Amelia had already experienced Lucian being absolutely


    sweet to her and absolutely cold to her. At the thought of this, she felt excited.


    "Doctor, please help her!" Lucian cried anxiously, beads of sweat rolling down his face.


    Amelia couldn''t help but feel moved.


    It truly was such an amazing feeling to be taken care of. Since her mother passed away, no one had


    ever shown so much concern for her.


    "She has acute gastroenteritis. It''s probably caused by bad eating habits," the doctor exined after


    doing his examination.


    After making sure that Amelia had already taken her medicine, he asked coldly, "How long has it


    been?"


    "Huh?" Amelia responded in confusion. She didn''t know what Lucian was talking about.


    "I want to know how long you''ve had stomach inmmation," Lucian added in a cold voice.


    She couldn''t understand what he was so angry about. She pouted her lips and said indifferently, "It''s


    been years. My mother was still alive when I got it."


    When she mentioned Iris, a sharp pain shot through her heart.


    A mother''s love for her daughter is iparable. It''s like a treasure and nothing can ever rece it.


    After Iris''s death, even though she suffered from stomach inmmation, no one really cared about her.


    Her way of coping with this was to pinch her palm whenever she experienced it. It always worked as


    she would just wait for the pain to go away and she would be fine again.


    When Lucian heard this, he felt his heart tremble.


    He didn''t say anything anymore. Instead, he just focused on driving. The air was thick with silence. He


    had pressed his lips together so tightly and he had his usual indifferent expression pasted on his face.


    Amelia then realized that they were alreadyte for work. Feeling guilty, she built up the courage to


    apologize, "Sorry for making youte for work."


    As the CEO of the Zhan Group, Lucian was always punctual. He rarely arrivedte and he rarely left


    early too.


    ''He''s right. I have such a handsome boss and he sets such a good example for his employees. I should


    work hard.''


    Without saying anything, Lucian pulled over the car and said, "You don''t have to work today. I''ll take


    you to eat something then I''ll drive you home so you can rest."


    "No, I''m fine now." Amelia thought Lucian was exaggerating this.


    Lucian knitted his eyebrows together, ignoring Amelia. He took her to a famous porridge ce in the


    city and ordered a bowl of porridge for her.


    She was starving. She spat out her breakfast earlier because she didn''t want to get car sick.


    "Are you sure? We''re going home already?" Amelia asked anxiously.


    "Just stay at home and wait for me," Lucian said simply as he nced at Amelia.


    With that, Lucian immediately returned to his usual cold self. Amelia wanted to say more but was


    intimidated by how solemn he looked.


    Even when Lucian was angry and upset, he still looked handsome.


    She stared at Lucian obsessively which didn''t go unnoticed by Lucian.


    Amelia was delighted.


    "Mr. Lucian, Mrs. Amelia, why are you back so soon?" Lily asked in surprise as she hurried over to


    Amelia to help her.

 Chapter 45 Lucian Was Jealous

    Chapter 45 Lucian Was Jealous


    "Mrs. Amelia is having some stomach problems. Please take good care of her," Lucian told Lily after


    he''d taken Amelia to the bedroom.


    "Okay." Lily nodded in agreement before leaving the room.


    When Amelia and Lucian were left alone in the room, the atmosphere suddenly grew thick with tension.


    "Be good and please rest well." Lucian sounded concerned as he walked over to the bed.


    Heart beating fast, Amelia gazed back at him with her face flushed.


    He looked quite indifferent. If he didn''t sound so concerned, one would think that he was mad.


    "Yes." She nodded obediently. She looked up at Lucian and smiled. "Thank you."


    With a gentle smile on his face, Lucian felt the joy in his heart which quickly spread all over his body.


    "If you want, you can take a walk in the backyard of the vi but you can''t run, okay?" After he spoke,


    he turned and left the room.


    As Amelia watched his figure retreat, she couldn''t help but suddenly feel sad.


    Shortly after Lucian left, Amelia fell asleep. It was already two in the afternoon when she woke up.


    When she got up, she ate quickly and intended to head outside for a quick walk as Lucian had just


    suggested. However, her phone suddenly began ringing.


    "Hello?"


    "Amelia?" A man''s voice came from the other end of the line. His voice wasced with uncertainty.


    Surprised, Amelia asked tentatively, "Is this Jonny?" She thought she''d heard Jonny''s voice.


    "Thank God, I called the right number." On the other end of the line, Jonny smiled in relief then he


    added, "Are you free today?"


    "Yes, I am but..." She recalled that Lucian had told her to take it easy. Stammering, she didn''t know


    what to respond.


    "But what?" Jonny asked anxiously.


    "Jonny, why are you calling me?" she asked. She wanted to think this over carefully before making a


    decision.


    "Oh, it''s nothing important. I just wanted to ask you if you wanted to go back to the Imperial Middle


    School. I dropped by there earlier today."


    Amelia had lot of memories in that school...


    She missed that ce very much so she agreed without giving it much thought.


    She figured she''d be back a few hours before dinner so she''d just exin to Lucian then where she''d


    been.


    "Are you in the SJ Garden now? I''ll pick you up." The delight in Jonny''s voice was undeniable.


    Amelia was about to refuse him but when she thought of the luxurious car that she had given by


    Lucian, she had no choice but to agree¡ªshe didn''t want to attract any attention after all.


    "Mrs. Amelia, are you going out?" Lily asked curiously when she saw Amelia changing her shoes by


    the door.


    "Lily, I just have something to deal with. I''ll be back before dinner," she answered with a smile.


    "Mr. Lucian told me that you weren''t feeling well and he asked me to take care of you..." Lily sounded


    worried.


    Amelia shook her body a bit and said with a grin, "Look, I''m feeling better. I''m about as energetic as


    any person."


    "Okay. Just take it easy and be home early." Lily then walked her to the door.


    After a while, Jonny arrived at the gate of the SJ Garden. He was driving his luxurious car. Upon seeing


    Amelia, he smiled and said, "Come on, Amelia, get in the car."


    Waving her hand at Lily to say goodbye, Amelia then got on the car.


    "Thanks for the clothes, Jonny." Amelia handed Jonny his clothes.


    Jonny merely nced at the clothes and chuckled. "Amelia, since when did you be so polite? It''s


    fine, you can keep it."


    "Jonny, this coat is very expensive. It would be a waste if you just throw it away. Besides, even if it''s not


    expensive, you should keep it because it''s yours and not mine." Amelia looked serious as she spoke.


    From the corner of his eyes, Jonny could see Amelia''s face¡ªhe grinned to himself.


    "Wow, I can''t believe we''re here already." When Amelia got off the car, she realized that Jonny still


    hadn''t gotten off. She stood in ce as she waited for him.


    "Amelia, did you wash this coat yourself?" Jonny sniffed his coat and caught a whiff of a mild scent


    which made him smile.


    "Yes, I forgot to iron it though." Amelia nodded. She found that Jonny looked very handsome in his suit.


    Although he was nowhere near as handsome as Lucian was, his smile made everyone around him feel


    warm.


    "It''s fine. I don''t mind." Jonny was visibly happy. He couldn''t help himself¡ªhe kept smelling his sleeve


    from time to time.


    Standing at the entrance of the school, Amelia could hear the students chatting amongst themselves.


    Suddenly, all her memories came flooding back.


    Back then, the school didn''t have these high walls and there weren''t as many trees as they do now.


    Even though a lot of things had changed, she could still remember a lot of distinct details.


    "You must be feeling emotional! You haven''t been here in years, right?" The pair walked along the


    covered path, enjoying the beautiful scenery. Even though things felt a bit strange, it felt more familiar


    than anything.


    "This is my Alma Mater!" she said cheerfully. After a pause, she frowned. "I did spend the most hardest


    times of my life here."


    Her mother''s death was the most devastating thing that had ever happened to her. The semester her


    mother died, she became severely depressed. She wouldn''t talk to any of her ssmates and


    preferred to be in the balcony all day long, staring nkly into nothing. She became a loner as she


    barely paid any attention to what was happening around her.


    "Let''s sit over there," Jonny suggested as he pointed towards the wooden chairs by theke.


    "Pain is a part of life and it helps you grow up and be more mature. Thinking back, I wouldn''t be


    where I am today if I hadn''t gone through that." Amelia sat down and she looked content.


    "Looks like the little elf has moved on from the pain and has grown to be a beautiful angel." Jonny


    gazed at Amelia, a smile pasted on his face.


    Amelia didn''t know what to make of thisment of Jonny''s.


    She couldn''t help but wonder why Jonny would refer to her as a little elf. When the opportunity came


    up, she decided to ask about it. "Why''d you refer to me as a little elf?"


    Jonny didn''t expect this. He grinned as he responded, "Well, you were so sad back then. I just wanted


    to make you happy by calling you that."


    "Oh... Thank you so much for everything, Jonny. If it weren''t for you, I don''t know if I could have risen


    above all of that," Amelia said gratefully.


    Jonny''s smile was stiff as if he was guilty about something.


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    If Amelia knew the truth, would she still smile and thank him like that?


    "God would never hurt someone as good as you." Jonny stared at her, his eyes gleaming.


    "Jonny you didn''t visit your alma mater today just for sightseeing, right?" Technically speaking, Jonny


    only spent a semester here so it wasn''t like he had much memories here.


    Jonny and Lucian were the same age while Amelia was younger. Amelia and Jonny only spent about a


    semester together in middle school due to their age difference.


    "Well, I forgot to tell you but I''m giving a speech tonight. I hope you''ll be there to support me," Jonny


    said, smiling warmly and looking over at Amelia expectantly.


    "Tonight?" She was startled. She felt as if she was betraying Lucian.


    "Yes, what''s the matter?" Jonny asked nervously. He noticed that Amelia''s face had turned a shade of


    deep red.


    She thought of how much Jonny had helped her in the past. The least she could do was be there for


    him tonight.


    "It''s nothing. I''ll be there for your speech tonight," she said simply. Amelia shed him a smile, her eyes


    gleamed as she did.


    Jonny was quite pleased to hear this. However, he suddenly remembered that she was already


    married. Worriedly, he posed, "You can just tell Lucian that you''ll be home a bitte tonight."


    "Well... Okay, I can call himter." Upon the mention of Lucian, she couldn''t help but think back to how


    angry he was. A chill suddenly ran down her spine.


    Around dusk, everything was almostpletely dark outside.


    Jonny was in the backstage discussing the program with the emcee while Amelia quietly watched by


    the side. Suddenly, her phone started buzzing which startled her.


    Jonny looked over, a bit worried. He kept his eyes glued on her for a good while.


    Amelia looked back at Jonny in embarrassment and nodded at him. She pointed to her vibrating phone


    before walking out of the door.


    It needn''t be mentioned that the phone call had been given by Lucian. Before answering the call, she


    took a deep breath.


    "Where are you?" Lucian was straightforward much to Amelia''s anxiousness.


    Suddenly, she recalled how Jonny had asked her to keep their rtionship a secret from Lucian. She


    had no choice but to lie.


    "I... Courtney''s milk tea shop was swamped so I dropped by to help her." She couldn''t find a better


    excuse than this.


    After a long silence, Lucian asked, "Are you feeling better?" Despite sounding a bit angry, his tone still


    sounded more concerned than anything.


    Amelia nervously answered, "I''m fine!"


    "That''s good. I''ll pick you upter." His tone was still cold.


    "No, thanks." Amelia had no idea when Jonny''s speech was going to start or end so she had to lie


    some more. "A ssmate of mine is having a birthday celebration. I''m nning to attend so I might be


    late..."


    "When is it?" Lucian''s voice was deep and emotionless.


    Amelia clenched her fists in nervousness. "Before ten, is that okay?"


    This softened Lucian''s heart so he agreed, "Okay, I happen to have an event tonight. When it''s over,


    you can call me and I''ll pick you up."


    "Okay." She didn''t have the courage to refuse him. Otherwise, Lucian might figure out she was lying.


    After hanging up the phone, Amelia was relieved. She didn''t feel as guilty anymore because Lucian


    was going to be out tonight anyway. At least, he didn''t have to stay at home alone.


    As soon as she thought of this, she found it strange that she was even worrying about Lucian being


    home alone.

 Chapter 46 Why Lie

    Chapter 46 Why Lie


    Jonny was presenting in the school hall. School leaders deemed this conference of great importance


    made even more pronounced by the president who came to witness the event. Outside the conference


    room, students waited in line for the conference tomence.


    "Amelia, take a seat at the front table. I''m afraid that I might be unable to find you if you sit too far." A


    few minutes before the opening, Jonny found Amelia and pointed at the table in the first row.


    Amelia quickly waved her hand. "Jonny, I''ll take the back seat." It was too eye-catching to sit in the first


    row. Amelia wasn''t much of the type to grab attention.


    Jonny knew that Amelia would refuse him. He smiled and said, "If you sit too far, you wouldn''t be


    cheering me on. You''ll just make me even more anxious in front of this crowd. Not to mention, the


    president himself."


    The speech was about to start and the students all took their seats. If she hesitated, it would take


    Jonny some time. Therefore, she had to agree reluctantly, "Okay, Jonny. Go for it!"


    She sat in the first row which gave Jonny the confidence boost he needed.


    Amelia was well aware the guests were school leaders and special guests. She felt a little awkward


    sitting there among the distinguished people.


    Realizing that no one was looking at her, she was relieved. ''Perhaps sitting here was better than I


    thought,'' she said to herself.


    The host gave a speech after the opening of the event. It was a good time to go back to middle school.


    At the same time, Lucian sat in the VIP seat led by others.


    "Oh my God! Isn''t he the CEO of the Zhan Group? I didn''t expect him to be here! "


    "Yeah, what a great day today! I can actually see two esteemed individuals in the house. God, help


    me!"


    "Jonny and Lucian used to be students here. Although, only for a short while, we still treat them as our


    seniors. It doesn''te as a surprise to have him here."


    "¡­"


    The name of Lucian was like a fast gust of wind, making its way into Amelia''s ears. All of a sudden, her


    body was frozen stiff.


    ''Didn''t he say he had a meeting to attend? Was it...''


    Amelia turned her head in horror and instantly, her eyes locked into Lucian''s gaze.


    ''Oh my God! What horrible luck! He found me at his first nce!'' She tried grappling for ideas toe


    out clean from the lie she had just told.


    To get out of the hot mess, she had texted Courtney and asked her to cover the lie for her after she


    answered Lucian''s call. Now that he ran into her, the truth was finally out.


    She thought that Lucian would get angry and drag her out of the hall. To her relief, he looked away after


    a short while and fixed his focus on the speech tform.


    There were only three people between them, and she could see him in the corner of her eye.


    Looking at the man''s angled face, Amelia couldn''t help but get cold feet. Her thoughts felt like a ball of


    entangled yarn¡ªdisorganized and in chaos.


    As soon as she sat down, Jonny saw her at a nce. In order to show her support, she put on a smile


    and began to focus on the stage. With the crowd''s warm apuse, she apuded even more


    vigorously.


    However, when Lucian saw how supportive she was, indescribable anger soon showed on his face.


    After the speech, a wave of warm apuse broke out. Cheers and smiles filled the audience as each


    spectator was in awe of what they had just witnessed. While the crowd exuded nothing but a positive


    atmosphere, Amelia looked worried. She saw Lucian shaking hands and greeting all the leaders.


    Should she sneak away while he was distracted?


    "Let''s go and take a photo with Lucian!" Several girls came rushing from the back and tried to get close


    to Lucian.


    After a few seconds, Amelia''s annoyance disappeared and her slim body was pushed into the crowd.


    Staggering, the distance between her and Lucian became further and further away.


    The students screamed hysterically around him, like a superstar in the Hollywood scene.


    Realizing how crowded it was, Amelia tried to squeeze her way out. Just then, a cold voice pierced


    through the whole hall, and the crazy scream also stopped. "Could you please let me through? My wife


    is missing."


    The voice was gentle, mellow and maic under a cold tone.


    Amelia''s heart trembled. While she was wondering if she was the one Lucian was talking about, a tall


    man blocked the light and covered her.


    "Amelia, where are you going?" Lucian grabbed her hand, raised his thick eyebrows, and smiled


    yfully.


    She lied to him which made Amelia feel guilty.


    "There are too many people in the room. I want to go out and have some fresh air," Amelia replied with


    a smile, and sweat began to roll down her back.


    "I''lle with you." Lucian rested his eyes on the nervous look on Amelia''s face as if he could read her


    mind.


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    "They are waiting for you to take a group photo with them!" Amelia panicked and pointed at the


    students whose excitement could be felt even from where they stood.


    With an evil and attractive smile on his face, Lucian said coldly, "I''m not the star the night. They don''t


    need my photo. I only care about you."


    Then, in the full awareness of the public, Lucian drew Amelia out of the hall.


    Jonny, standing on the stage, was dumbfounded when he saw that. He intended to follow but was


    instantly surrounded by a group of girls.


    While the hall was teeming with people, only the chirping of the crickets could be heard outside.


    Amelia had been dragged by Lucian to get into the car. Luckily for her, she managed to free her wrists


    from Lucian''s painful grasp.


    Amelia nced at Lucian and felt the atmosphere freeze.


    "Why did you lie?" said Lucian angrily. His nce reflected the rage he felt. Amelia thought she might


    burn staring into his eyes. She wanted to. How on earth could she wriggle out of this one now?


    Amelia''s face turned pale with fear. She kept blinking, and tried her best to find a reasonable excuse.


    She was a horrible liar. She couldn''t even fake it with a white lie.


    "Sorry, I..." For a moment, she didn''t know what to say. Her lips trembled.


    "So you admit that you lied to me?" Lucian was motionless but furious.


    "I was going to visit Courtney, I swear, but a big show was going to be held in the middle school. I didn''t


    wanna miss it so I..." She tried her best to find an excuse. At this point, she wanted the ground to eat


    her up and end her misery.


    "Amelia!" Lucian raised his voice. He sounded even angrier now. He looked at Amelia coldly and said,


    "Do you know what I saw?"


    Lucian had been persuading himself to trust Amelia, but it turned out that she had been lying all along.


    Staring at Lucian''s angry face, Amelia felt a shiver down her spine. She asked, "What did you see?"


    With his eyes darkened, Lucian thought to himself, ''She has the gall to ask that? What? Is she mocking


    me?''


    "It turns out that the coat you love so much belongs to Jonny." During Jonny''s speech, he noticed that


    the coat Jonny was wearing was the exact same coat Amelia put onst time. He couldn''t quite put a


    finger on it, but when the photo of them chatting by theke was sent to his phone, he was appalled.


    Amelia looked at Lucian in shock. She didn''t expect him to know that.


    But since he had already known it, there was no use trying to conceal it. She bit her lower lip and said


    guiltily, "Sorry, I should have made it clearst time."


    "Then why didn''t you tell me?" Lucian''s words were concise and straight to the point. Every word was


    as cold as ice. His sharp eyes stared at Amelia''s, piercing her heart.


    Amelia stuttered in horror, trembling from head to toe. "Because I didn''t know that Jonny is Shelly''s


    brother..."


    She couldn''t tell him that she and Jonny had known each other for many years and they were best


    friends through the letters they wrote each other.


    Telling a lie was such a never-ending predicament. She had to make up another lie so she could cover


    up thest one which would only make her say another. She was making a spiral of lies. She screamed


    in her heart.


    "Then what? Do you keep your distance from him?" Lucian approached Amelia slowly. His cold tone


    was frightening.


    "I don''t understand." What Lucian said was just like a hammer pounding to her brain.


    Lucian approached her again. His frozen eyes met hers. He raised her chin and said lightly, "You''re not


    making sense. I treat you as a treasure, but you went out and flirted with a man you once met. Don''t


    you feel ashamed?"


    After saying that, he pushed her face away as if Amelia were the dirtiest person he''d ever held.


    Amelia was trembling with fear. Lucian''s words were like a sharp sword, stabbing into her heart. She


    was too hurt to say a word.


    Although she knew the gravity of her lie, her rtionship with Jonny was not intimate at all. Even if


    Lucian got it all wrong, she couldn''t exin it clearly. But she thought it was better to not say anything


    at all. She was afraid that if she exined it, Lucian would misunderstand her rtionship with Jonny


    even more.


    In the absence of a reply, Lucian saw it as confirmation of his assumptions. His eyes were now as dark


    as clouds, Amelia was fearful a storm was brewing soon.


    "But you are still my wife, Amelia. No matter who you love. You and I are bound together," he said


    coldly, looking straight into her.


    Then the car drove into the darkness.


    "You are still my wife..." These sweet words Lucian had said to her had been imprinted on her mind at


    the very beginning. But thinking of them only made her feel bitter?


    When they returned to the SJ Garden, Lucian remained silent. He threw his coat on the sofa, took out


    an ice beer from the fridge and chugged.


    Amelia wanted to stop him. She stopped herself when she saw the cold expression on his face.


    This man was sometimes as gentle as a baby, while sometimes as cold as a blizzard. She couldn''t


    fathom how this was possible.


    "Mrs. Amelia, what happened to Mr. Lucian?" Lily asked in a low voice as she ran to Amelia.


    Amelia bit her lip and felt she was the one who should take the me. He wouldn''t have been so angry


    if she hadn''t lied to him in the first ce.


    She bowed her head and felt terrible.


    "Mrs. Amelia, you better go and stop Mr. Lucian. The beer''s too cold. How can his stomach handle


    that?" Lily frowned. She shook Amelia''s arm for help as a gesture of how anxious she felt.

 Chapter 47 The Brave Confession Of Amelia

    Chapter 47 The Brave Confession Of Amelia


    Amelia frowned when Lucian emptied the fifth bottle of beer. On the table, she could see two more


    dozens of German beer that were enough to make Lucian drunk.


    She red at him in anger and said, "Lucian, you don''t have to take it out on yourself. Just vent your


    anger on me."


    Lucian narrowed his cold eyes at her. "Do you feel bad when I treat myself like this?"


    Smiling bitterly, he didn¡¯t even try to hide the self-deception in the question.


    Countless women were chasing him, but he had eyes only for Amelia. The fact that she not only


    refused his kindness but also lied, hurt him deeply.


    He had hated people who lied to him because of what happened twenty years ago.


    Even though Amelia was stunned and silent on the surface, her heart was in turmoil. She felt sorry and


    distressed.


    She squatted with tears in her eyes. "Can you just stop drinking?" Amelia wanted to admit her mistake,


    but she was afraid of infuriating him.


    She knew that even though she would exin with her soft and trembling voice, his steeled heart


    wouldn¡¯t feel a thing.


    Lucian could forgive a person for any sin except for lies.


    "Don''t you have to exin yourself?" Lucian squinted his red eyes.


    Amelia¡¯s heart ached when her legitimate husband used such an interrogating tone to address her.


    "Will you believe me?" She looked up at him, seeing through Lucian''s mind.


    His blood boiled after hearing her voice. "You''re free to do anything, Amelia!" Just as he stood up, his


    legs wobbled as if he could fall any minute.


    Amelia was about to help him when Lucian shoved her hands away ruthlessly. He cast a cold nce at


    her and said, "You must be satisfied after talking to another man privately."


    Lucian walked upstairs, stumbling on the way.


    Amelia stood like a statue with her anxious mind. She couldn''t think straight.


    Even though Jonny and Amelia sat beside theke and talked, Lucian was worried for nothing.


    Misunderstandings came one after another, and she didn''t get a chance to exin.


    After what it felt like hours, a voice brought her out of the trance. "Mrs. Amelia, please go and see Mr.


    Lucian. He is in a bad mood." Amelia swept her eyes to see Lily standing before her.


    "Lucian won¡¯t see me," Amelia said in a low voice.


    "It''s impossible! Mr. Lucian cannot refuse you, not in a million years. Although you have to find a way to


    make him happy." Lily¡¯s face turned red after saying the second sentence, but she continued, "Mr.


    Lucian just wants to save his face. If you say something he wants to hear, he won''t be angry."


    Something that he would want to hear¡­ Amelia¡¯s face lit up when a thought crossed her mind.


    "I know!" Amelia excitedly rushed toward the kitchen, prepared a cup of honey water, and brought it to


    the bedroom. Just as she opened the door, she found that it was empty, instantly remembering that he


    had changed the room.


    She opened the door of the guest room to find Lucian reading some letters, being momentarily


    stunned.


    Amelia lowered her head to avoid embarrassment and walked over lightly to put the honey water on the


    table.


    As expected, Lucian put away the letters, locked the drawer, and turned to face her with an irritated


    expression. "Who let you in?"


    Well, he was still angry!


    Amelia¡¯s calm eyes cast a nce at him, and she said shamelessly, "I¡¯m your wife! This is my house,


    and you cannot stop me from entering your room."


    Lucian raised his eyebrow at her words, and the corners of his lips lifted to give an ironic smile. "Don''t


    tter me. As if your presence can make me blissful."


    She wanted him to be happy, but she didn''t mean to coax him.


    Amelia gazed at him for a moment and opened her mouth to speak her mind, only to close it in a


    second.


    Even though she wanted to say what was in her heart, she couldn''t. She felt as if the words were as


    heavy as thousands of kilograms. Her words stuck in her throat, making her chest heavy.


    She turned away and pointed her fingers at the ss she had brought. "Drink this honey water, and


    then I''ll let you know what¡¯s in my mind." Amelia¡¯s face was indifferent, and she spoke in a calm voice.


    Lucian gaped at his wife in surprise. How could he still be angry after seeing her indifferent attitude?


    Amelia talked exactly like he had once when she was drunk, and Lucian had prepared honey water for


    her.


    He pursed his lips and swallowed the honey water from the ss. "Alright, just say it then."


    Lucian was cold on the surface, but the seed of curiosity had sprouted in his heart already.


    Amelia rxed her shoulders after Lucian finished the ss, but her mind got anxious again. How was


    she supposed to say those words? She took multiple breaths to calm her heart. "Didn''t you ask me


    about my feelings? Let me tell you." She shot a nce at him. "My heart is aching!"


    She bit her lips and observed Lucian¡¯s reaction.


    Lucian darted his shocked eyes at her. He couldn¡¯t keep his cold expressions anymore, frowning at her


    words. "Why?" Why did she have to lie if her heart was distressed?


    The pain of being deceived was like a fishbone that had stuck in his throat.


    "You know, I feel sad when I see you with other women. And when you are not with me, I-I"¡ªshe


    swallowed saliva and looked at him with eyes filled with emotions¡ª"miss you." Her breathing was


    erratic after she was done with expressing herself. It wasn¡¯t easy to say those words.


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    He was an unattainable fantasy for her. Even in her dream, she didn''t dare to see his face. But when


    she reflected on her words, Amelia felt her love for him rising in her heart.


    Lucian stared at her for a long time, and his mouth curved up to form a faint smile. "Do you know what


    you are saying, Amelia?"


    His heart was flooded with both joy, but deep down he was still anxious.


    "Of course, I know what I am talking about." She gazed at him with eyes full of love. "At first, I thought I


    fell in love with you because of your family background. But now I can stand by you unconditionally."


    She lowered her head to hide the blush on her cheeks.


    Lucian''s heart skipped a beat. He would have smiled at her words a few days ago, but at that moment,


    his lips were pressed in a thin line.


    "Amelia, you can go." His self-esteem was also high when it came to rtionships. It wasn¡¯t like he


    couldn¡¯t tease her back at what she said. Lucian didn¡¯t want to hear anything because of her lies.


    Amelia was stunned, thinking Lucian was still mad at her. Sauntering toward him, she said boldly, "I¡¯ll


    only say these words this time because it makes you happy." She sighed and turned to face the door.


    "You should go to bed early."


    Lucian''s body froze, but he didn¡¯t stop Amelia. After a moment of silence, he woke up from his trance


    and dashed after her, pushing the door with all his might.


    Amelia was about to close the door when someone pushed it from the other side, making her stumble


    back. A hand gripped her wrist firmly. Without giving her a second nce, Lucian pushed her against


    the wall, making her feel dizzy.


    She took deep breaths and ended up inhaling a familiar scent.


    She could clearly feel his strong heartbeats and his warm breath.


    Amelia¡¯s eyes doubled in size. She subconsciously gripped his clothes, and a hint of flush crept on her


    face. At that moment, she couldn¡¯t even breathe.


    Close proximity was dangerous for her.


    Lucian stared at her face with eyes full of affection. He grabbed her jaw, and forced her to look in his


    eyes.


    "Amelia, will you throw yourself at me out of love?" Lucian''s voice sounded cold without a trace of


    warmth.


    At first, Amelia couldn¡¯t understand what he meant, being stunned for a moment. When she felt the


    irony of that sentence, her face fell.


    "Do you really think I¡¯m cheap?" With teary eyes, Amelia bit her lower lip and tried to calm the burn in


    her chest.


    "Because I hate women who lie!" He pinched her chin, and his cold eyes gazed at her for a long time.


    Lucian still couldn''t forgive her. He didn''t even believe her words.


    A flush of regret filled Amelia¡¯s heart. Why hadn¡¯t she spoken about it earlier?


    "Don¡¯t worry. I will still treat you as my wife¡­nominally." He smiled bitterly and let go of her chin,


    chuckling coldly.


    Amelia saw through the bitterness in Lucian¡¯s heart and lowered her head. She knew he was


    depressed, and Amelia didn¡¯t mean to make things difficult for him. Quietly, she walked out of the room.


    Lucian¡¯s smile faded, and he punched the wall with all his power. He regretted his indifferent attitude


    toward her. He wanted to take hold of her, but at the same time, he hesitated. Theseplicated


    emotions made him go crazy.


    His anger had forced Amelia to open her heart to him. Lucian thought there wasn¡¯t a difference


    between him and a robber.


    Back then, he got married in the hope of taking charge of his own life ahead. If Lucian could win her


    heart in such a dominating way, he would be able to take charge of her life.


    He was so fierce with her because he wanted Amelia to think clearly.


    After returning to her room, Amelia dropped herself on the soft bed as if she ran a marathon and was


    devoid of energy. She stared at the ceiling for a long time. Lucian¡¯s cold words still swirled in her mind.


    Nominally... These words extinguished all the mes in her heart.


    She had to gather a lot of courage to express her feelings, but he rejected her due to anger.


    Amelia didn''t know why Lucian was so angry. Now when she finally said it, she didn¡¯t feel so


    ufortable anymore.


    She could onlyfort herself by thinking that he was drunk and moody. Amelia should be considerate


    enough.

 Chapter 48 The Fate Of Bullying My Woman

    Chapter 48 The Fate Of Bullying My Woman


    There possibly couldn''t be a person in the world who wanted to be deceived. In this case, it was really


    difficult for Lucian to give a proper response.


    The only thing Amelia could do was to hope that Lucian would feel better tomorrow.


    The next morning, Amelia got up a lotter than usual. Perhaps it was because of the soft patter of the


    rain outside. She got out of bed and hurriedly got dressed before running downstairs, thinking that


    Lucian had already left. Upon reaching the kitchen, she saw that Lucian was still there, leisurely having


    his coffee. He cast her a cold nce before drawing his attention back to the newspaper in his hand.


    ''Huh... He seems to be rxed even though I woke upte,'' Amelia thought.


    "Mrs. Amelia,e here to have breakfast," Lily greeted when she saw Ameliae down the stairs.


    Slowly, Amelia went to the table and sat down. ''I thought that Lucian would say something about how I


    woke upte,'' she thought since she was twenty minuteste. But she puzzled as she looked at Lucian


    who still hadn''t said a single thing to her.


    After carefully looking at Lucian, Amelia looked at the food on the table. Her stomach rumbled, and


    soon could no longer resist the temptation of the delicious food in front of her. One bite after the other,


    Amelia barely chewed on the food she swallowed.


    She thought that it was likely that Lucian would tell her to hurry up as soon as she started to eat.


    Not to mention that she would still have to put on her shoes. Amelia took a gulp of water to help push


    down the food in her throat.


    Just when she was about to finish her meal, she saw Lucian walk over slowly and help himself to some


    food.


    Furrowing her brows, Amelia looked at the clock and saw that they only had ten minutes left. "Aren''t we


    going to bete?" Amelia asked Lucian anxiously.


    ''Why is he so rxed? He''s always been so uptight about being punctual,'' she wondered. With ten


    minutes left to spare, Lucian was going to bete for work at this rate. He took his time eating, chewing


    his food slowly and leisurely.


    Lucian didn''t answer Amelia nor did he even look up at her.


    Not willing to take any chances, Amelia went to the hallway and put on her shoes. ''He might suddenly


    dart off before I even get to put my shoes on,'' she scoffed in her mind.


    When Lucian had finished eating, he and Amelia went over to the garage. However, just when Amelia


    was about to get in, Lucian waved his hand at her to stop. "You already have a car of your own," he


    said coldly, "I no longer need to drive you around, right?"


    "Okay," Amelia said.


    Although her tone was calm, her heart was full of helplessness.


    After one,st cold nce, Lucian got in the car and drove away.


    When the car was out of her sight, Amelia let out a long, deep sigh. Amelia wanted toin, but


    she had no strength to deal with it right now.


    ''I know I''m the one who lied first,'' she thought, biting on her lower lip. ''But he didn''t have to treat me


    this way!''


    Her hands clutched nervously on the keys to her brand new car.


    Although she had gotten her driver''s license, she had not yet experienced driving around that much.


    Time was ticking, and if she waited a while longer, she would bete for work. Given her situation, she


    had no choice but to get in the car regardless of her inconfidence in driving it.


    SJ Garden had a fairly simpleyout. Although there were several intersections, the roads were nice


    and t, which was perfect for driving beginners like her.


    Aside from the fact that she wasn''t exactly the best driver out there, Amelia didn''t like the attention she


    was getting from this shiny, new car.


    But at this point, she was already runningte. Amelia unwittingly stepped a little harder on the


    elerator to get to work in time. However, things didn''t turn out exactly how she imagined it to be...


    "Hey! What do you think you''re doing!" a sturdy man shouted as he knocked angrily at Amelia''s car


    window.


    Taking a deep breath, Amelia unfastened her seat belt and got out of the car. There, she was aware


    that there was arge scratch at the back of her car. "Oh no..." she mumbled, getting all flustered.


    "I''m not talking about your car,dy! Look at mine!" the man angrily said as he pointed towards his


    BMW. There was a thick, golden ne around his fat neck.


    Amelia walked over to the man''s car and saw that there was a muchrger scratch on it ¡ª the license


    te had beenpletely crushed.


    At the sight of this, Amelia''s heart dropped to her gut.


    It all happened so quickly. When she was going up the slope, she had forgotten to change gears. In a


    panic, she quickly tried to back away, not remembering to pay attention to any of the cars behind her.


    As a result, such a tragedy happened.


    "Yes... Sorry... I... I didn''t mean it!" At this point, Amelia was much too terrified of the man to utter a


    word clearly. "I can pay for it," she said, "I''ll pay for the repairs. Is that good enough?"


    Although he wasn''t tall, he was a very stocky man. He looked to be in his forties, and was starting to


    get a bald spot on the top of his head. But the only thing Amelia could see was his eyes bulging in


    anger.


    "It''s easy for you to say that. I just bought this car!" There were veins on the side of his head as he


    shouted at Amelia. "Since you won''t do anything about it, I''m going to call the police!" he threatened as


    he took out his mobile phone.


    "Hey! I never said that I wasn''t going to do anything about it!" "Look, I''m sorry that your car was


    damaged. But I have just told you that I promise to pay for the repairs," Amelia said as calmly as


    possible. She didn''t want to make things worse than they were.


    But the man looked like he wasn''t in the mood for democracy. "I don''t want to hear another word from


    you until the police gets here!" he screamed. The man took his phone and quickly dialed.


    ''Is he trying to ckmail me? What am I going to do now? Why did this have to happen!'' Amelia


    thought worriedly.


    ''I also have to think about the car Lucian just bought for me. Can this day get any worse?''


    Just then, her phone rang. Looking on the screen, she saw that it was Lucian calling.


    She clenched her phone and hesitated to answer it.


    Upon checking the time, she saw that she was already half an hourte for work.


    At this point, Amelia figured that it was better to answer his call at once instead of annoying him any


    further. With all her might, she answered the call and put the phone to her ear.


    "Hello?" she greeted gingerly.


    "I didn''t know that we were epting turtles into thepany now!" Lucian''s cold and deep voice


    sounded through the phone.


    His voice was full of anger.


    Amelia was so frightened that her hand trembled. On the other hand, the fat man was also looking at


    her with anger as well. She immediately felt a great pressure.


    In this moment, there were two people who were hostile towards her. Amelia''s head felt light from all


    the overwhelming things that were happening.


    "I''m sorry, Mr. Lucian. I might... I might have..."


    "Hello, police officer!" the fat man suddenly greeted. As soon as the police in uniform came up, the fat


    man came forward and pointed a finger at Amelia. "This woman who can''t drive totally wrecked my car!


    Pleasee here at once!"


    "What''s going on there?" Lucian asked, faintly overhearing the man through the phone.


    Amelia''s face turned pale with fear. Last night, she had told a lie to Lucian. If she lied again now, she


    would never survive him. Plus, it would be hard to hide the scratch on the car.


    "Well... The thing is, I.... I was on a slope and--"


    "Get to the point!" Lucian said impatiently.


    "I... I identally hit somebody''s car," murmured Amelia in a trembling voice.


    There was a pause, but she could hear Lucian''s breath. After a while, Lucian spoke up. "Are you hurt?"


    he asked in a soft voice.


    Amelia was shocked. She thought for sure that Lucian was going to shout at her and get mad. Hearing


    his voice filled with concern, Amelia''s heart flooded with warmth.


    "No, I''m alright," she answered in a low voice, a smile slowly appearing on her lips.


    "Tell me where you are. I''ll pick you up." Although Lucian''s voice was as cold and distant as it normally


    was, Amelia felt a sense of security when she heard this.


    After telling him her current location, the policeman went over to her. He asked her what had


    happened. Amelia exined, and told the policeman that she was willing to pay for the damages she


    had caused.


    "Since she''s willing to cover the expenses to repair your car, I don''t see any problems," the officer said.


    The fat man suddenly changed his attitude. "Okay. It''s up to you," he said as he looked up and down at


    Amelia.


    Amelia continued to apologize to the fat man for the inconvenience.


    After the police left, the fat man walked to Amelia, rubbing his nose with his stubby thumb, "You don''t


    have a boyfriend, do you?"


    It was obvious what the man was trying to do.


    "I''m married!" She raised the ring on her hand and warned him.


    "So what? You really think paying off for my repairs is going to cut it? Maybe we''ll be even if you pay


    with your body..." The fat man was getting closer and closer to Amelia, his face twisted with perversion.


    Amelia looked at the man in disgust, slowly backing away from him. She took out her mobile phone and


    was ready to call the police.


    "Fine, call the police. I doubt that they woulde to your rescue though..." the man said with a


    devious smile on his face.


    Amelia was too angry to say a word. She dialed the number with her trembling finger. The more she


    tried to keep calm, the more panic she felt.


    Click! With a loud bang, the man grabbed onto her phone and threw it hard onto the ground.


    N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    "I advice that you not try to do anything. Just own up to your mistake and let me kiss you, why don''t


    you? Not only will I forgive you ¡ª I''ll also help you clean out the scratch on your car. What do you


    think?" The fat man saw that Amelia wasn''t willing to cooperate with him. He grabbed her hair and


    pulled her into his arms, pretending to kiss her.


    Although he was not tall, he was a man of strength. No matter how hard Amelia struggled, she couldn''t


    get out of his grasp.


    "Let me go!" Amelia gritted her teeth and red at the fat man.


    He touched her body with his dirty hand and smiled at her evilly.


    She bit her lower lip and stepped on the shoes of the fat man, thinking that he would let her go because


    of the pain. But unexpectedly, the fat man groaned softly and pressed her body against the car with


    more vigor, intending to kiss her forcefully.


    There were a lot of cars on the road and yet no one came to save her. Amelia wanted to shout, but the


    fat man covered her mouth with his hand.


    Amelia was unable to move. The man''s face came in closer and closer, just mere inches away from


    hers. There was nothing Amelia could do now but close her eyes and pray that all of this would end. All


    of a sudden, the man was pulled away. There was a loud thud, and the man groaned in pain.


    Amelia was still in shock and did not dare to open her eyes. Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around


    her trembling body. She flinched, thinking that it was the fat man. "You little fool," a familiar voice called


    out. Amelia opened her eyes in surprise.


    Lucian had made it just in time. Even though he was already here, Amelia still felt immensely terrified.


    Slowly, she put her arms around his waist and buried her face in Lucian''s chest. As she smelled his


    familiar andforting scent, Amelia finally allowed herself to cry.

 Chapter 49 An Embarrassing Triangle

    Chapter 49 An Embarrassing Triangle


    "Mr. Lucian, please take Mrs. Amelia home first. I''ll handle the rest," Eric, Lucian''s assistant, offered.


    He had just arrived and kindly offered to help.


    Lucian opened his thin lips and said coldly, "Teach him a lesson!"


    With that, Lucian left with Amelia.


    When they got on the car, Amelia felt less nervous. Since Lucian wasn''t saying anything, she decided


    to do the same.


    "You should ask Frank to drive you," Lucian said after a long pause.


    She scratched the car the first time she drove it. While she wanted to refuse him, she knew she had no


    choice but to reluctantly agree.


    "Sorry, I broke your car..." she said guiltily.


    Your car... She always made sure to distinguish what was his and hers.


    Lucian was inexplicably angry. He asked coldly, "You think just saying sorry is enough?" He was at a


    very important meeting when he found out that she waste. Worried, he called her to ask her what


    was going on. As expected, she was very uneasy.


    He intended to pound on her a little more but he didn''t expect that she''d be so bad at driving that she


    couldn''t even run up a slope.


    "I''ll just pay for the repair fees, okay?" Sadly, her bank ount was practically empty. That was all she


    could offer.


    Lucian noticed how aggrieved Amelia was already. He didn''t have the heart to continue making things


    difficult for her. "It''s fine. You don''t have to do that. Just make dinner tonight."


    Upon giving it more thought, he concluded that her cooking was the only thing that could make him feel


    better now.


    Cook? That''s not a big deal at all!


    Amelia rxed right away. She nodded with a smile. "I''ll go to the grocery after work."


    She was only obedient because she knew she made a mistake. Despite being happy, Lucian remained


    stoic.


    Amelia eyed him and noticed the cold look on his face. Thinking he was angry, she bit her lower lip and


    said in guilt after a long pause, "So yesterday..."


    "Amelia, don''t mention it. I came because to everyone else, you''re my wife. That means it''s my


    responsibility to protect you," Lucian interrupted her coldly. He gave her no chance to apologize.


    He spoke conclusive so Amelia decided to shut her mouth.


    Still, why did she feel so lost?


    When they arrived at the Zhan Group, Lucian left his coat and went straight to the meeting room.


    Since she was Lucian''s assistant, she was in charge of cleaning up after him. However, he didn''t give


    her any tasks before leaving. Still, she knew she had to keep herself busy because he was still paying


    her a sry after all.


    She didn''t need to help in cleaning the office because there was a specific cleaner responsible for


    doing that.N?velDrama.Org is the owner.


    Upon noticing that the documents on Lucian''s desk were a bit messy, she decided to sort them out.


    She didn''t recognize most of these documents but what she could recognize were the signatures at the


    bottom.


    It was Lucian... The minute she thought of Lucian, a smile immediately appeared on her face and her


    heart started beating rapidly.


    And his handwriting seemed familiar to her.


    She shook her head as she felt she was thinking too much about Lucian already.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! There was a knock on the door so Amelia hurriedly answered it. She''d assumed


    that the meeting was over however when she saw who was knocking, she froze.


    "Amelia?" Sasha had a mischievous look on her face. She then covered her mouth with her hand as if


    she too was shocked.


    Sasha was, no doubt, sexy. The red dress she wore today entuated her figure very well.


    The faint smile that yed on her lips coupled with the delicate make-up she had on her face made her


    look intimidating.


    She walked into the office gracefully and looked around. When she realized that Lucian wasn''t there,


    she turned and asked, "Where''s Lucian?"


    "Well... Mr. Lucian''s in a meeting right now..." Amelia then offered, "Miss Sasha, please have a seat


    while you wait."


    Raising her eyebrows, Sasha pouted her lips. She joked, "Come on, Amelia. Don''t act like you''re the


    hostess here."


    Amelia''s face froze then she answered awkwardly, "No, I mean, the CEO isn''t here. As his assistant,


    it''s my job to entertain you while he isn''t back yet." Then she made a cup of tea for Sasha.


    Sasha took the cup and thanked her politely. After taking a sip, she frowned and asked, "Why is it so


    bitter?"


    "Oh, I''m sorry. I used the tea I have in here. I was afraid I would doze off while at work so I made it like I


    would for myself..." Amelia frowned in embarrassment and scolded herself for being so careless.


    Anger was written all over Sasha''s face. "You''re just an assistant," she said, a little annoyed.


    Technically, she was saying that Amelia wasn''t doing a good job.


    "Mr. Lucian has good tea. Let me make another one for you." With an apologetic look, Amelia took her


    cup with the intention of making her another one.


    "Forget it. You''re careless. How would you even know how to make good tea?" Sasha stood up, took


    the cup from Amelia and sneered, "It''s not easy to make good tea, you know."


    Upon noticing the tea set Lucian had in his lounge, Sasha pursed her lips with a smile and said,


    "Lucian''s the type to be very particr about his lifestyle. See, he has his own tea set here. That''s how


    well I know him."


    Sasha cocked her eyebrows; her eyes gleaming as a smug smile yed on her lips.


    It was only then that Amelia noticed the tea set in Lucian''s lounge.


    Sasha sat down before the tea set. She took out the porcin bowl, added hot water, washed it and


    made the tea... She wasn''t only beautiful but she was also smart.


    Amelia looked at Sasha with admiration.


    "Amelia, it''s not easy to be the CEO''s assistant." Slowly, Sasha savored the tea as she took a sip. She


    cast a nce at Amelia and said with a smile, "It''s not surprising. You haven''t been with Lucian for a


    long time. After all, we''ve known each other for so many years."


    Sasha finally arrived at her point. She knew that even though Amelia was Lucian''s wife, there was no


    love between them.


    "Thank you, Miss Sasha, I''ve learned a lot," Amelia said sincerely, a warm smile on her face.


    Sasha wasn''t going to just give up. The sarcastic remarks were out of her mouth before she knew it.


    Amelia had taken what Sasha wanted the most. How could Sasha remain calm in her presence?


    "As the saying goes, birds of the same feathers flock together. In a desperate attempt to prove your


    status as Lucian''s wife, you have to exert so much effort." A disdainful smile crept up in Sasha''s red


    lips.


    Was that what she wanted? To be married to Lucian? Amelia didn''t think so.


    "Miss Sasha, I didn''t marry him for his status." Amelia smiled.


    Sasha snorted, squinted at her, and said sarcastically, "Don''t tell me you''re in love with Lucian!"


    Sasha knew that Amelia and Lucian had known each other for only a short time and that there must be


    some other reason behind their marriage.


    Lucian was a man of principle. He was very careful about love and marriage. If only he didn''t have to


    think about his responsibilities, he wouldn''t have married a girl he barely knew.


    Before Amelia could say something, a cold voice came from outside. "Sasha, what are you doing


    here?"


    Amelia suddenly turned only to find Lucian standing there.


    She averted his gaze. "I''ll leave you two alone. Enjoy."


    Lucian nced at Amelia and said indifferently, "You''re my assistant. It''s your job to greet my guests for


    me."


    "You''re right, but Miss Sasha is your girlfriend!" Amelia replied.


    Lucian froze upon hearing this.


    "Amelia, what do you mean? Lucian and I..." Seeing the shift on Lucian''s face, Sasha quickly took the


    chance to remove the me from her and transfer it to Amelia.


    Noticing Lucian''s displeasure, Amelia hurriedly waved her hand and said, "Miss Sasha, I... I meant,


    you''re friends and..."


    Lucian put on a mocking smile when he noticed the nervousness on Amelia''s face.


    "Amelia, you really are such an interesting woman!" Standing in front of Amelia, Sasha took her hand


    and said with a smile, "Thank you, Amelia. When you cooked porridge for mest time, I didn''t get


    stomach indigestion anymore."


    Sasha suddenly became very enthusiastic as if she and Amelia were old friends.


    Amelia flushed in response to this sudden friendliness.


    "Sasha, we need to work," Lucian said seriously.


    Sasha was surprised. Realizing that she was holding Amelia''s hand, she let go of it immediately and


    held Lucian''s arm. She said happily, "Lucian, I heard that the Zhan Group is recruiting new staff so I


    came here to visit."


    Seeing them standing together intimately, Amelia had mixed feelings. She tried to look away so that


    she would feel better.


    "You should go to the personnel department then for an interview." With that, he removed Sasha''s grip


    in his arm and nced at Amelia.


    A cloud of embarrassment crept over Sasha''s face. Smiling bashfully, she said, "I just heard that


    Amelia worked here. I came here to thank her for cooking porridge for mest time."


    Sasha knew what kind of person Lucian was. She wouldn''t dare piss him off so she changed the


    subject to Amelia.


    Amelia was smart. She knew very well that Sasha came here for Lucian and not her. Otherwise, why


    else would she ask where Lucian was?


    However, Amelia had no ns of bringing this up. She smiled shyly and said, "You''re wee."


    "Well, you''ve already thanked her. You can leave now. We have work to do," Lucian said coldly. He


    grew upset upon glimpsing the tea set.


    Sasha grabbed the opportunity to ask Lucian out. She put on a charming smile and said, "Hey, Lucian.


    It''s almost lunch time. Would you like to have lunch with me?"

 Chapter 50 To Do His Wifes Duty

    Chapter 50 To Do His Wife''s Duty


    "I will rather have lunch with my wife." Lucian put his arms around Amelia''s shoulder.


    Amelia''s wide-opened eyes stared at Lucian in disbelief.


    Sasha''s face went pale, and she felt someone had deliberately twisted her heart until it was bleeding.


    She forced a smile and said in a weak voice, "We can hang outter."


    A flush of guilt washed over Amelia''s face when she nced at Sasha.


    "Who allowed you to touch my tea set?" Lucian''s cold eyes squinted at Amelia.


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    That was when Amelia spotted the tea set on the table. She stood up without giving Lucian a second


    nce to clean up the mess.


    Lucian frowned when he saw the flustered look on her face, and he realized that his tone was harsh.


    Just as he was about to help her, a loud sound entered his ears.


    He looked around to see what happened, staring at the scene with wide eyes.


    The teacup had fallen on the ground like a sack of potatoes. She reached to pick the broken pieces


    from the ground and grazed her fingers.


    The blood was gushing out of her finger, but still, she was cleaning up the mess.


    Lucian stared at her with a horrified expression and rushed over. "Why are you so careless?"


    Amelia''s heart jumped when she heard his voice filled with worry, eyes brimming with tears.


    She had been silent for a long time. Lucian took hold of her injured hand and looked at her moistened


    eyes, frowning at her expressions. Did he hurt her again with his words? "Let''s go to the infirmary."


    His voice was gentle, having a rare touch of love and concern.


    Amelia smiled and shook her head. "I''m used to such minor injuries."


    Lucian rolled his eyes at her unting tone and dragged her to the infirmary.


    Employees had been walking toward the canteen when their shocked eyes shot at the couple. Most of


    them were even envious.


    As for the wound, the doctors treated it quickly because it wasn''t too deep. With the finger wrapped in


    bandages, Amelia went with Lucian to a Korean restaurant. The couple ordered the food.


    The hunger made her eat the food even though it wasn''t that delicious. She gobbled up dishes after


    dishes so much so that it was difficult for her to walk when they left the restaurant.


    "Mrs. Amelia, look how big your stomach is!" Lucian smiled yfully at her round belly when they were


    on their way back to the Zhan Group.


    Amelia cast him a shocked gaze. He didn''t seem angry anymore.


    She forced a smile and said, "And now people might think I''m pregnant."


    "It''s normal to be suspicious when you are married." Amelia had to run to keep up with the pace of


    Lucian.


    "Give me a break! There is nothing normal between us." She was tired by the time she reached Lucian


    and said those words without thinking twice.


    Amelia misunderstood him again.


    "Mrs. Amelia, are you implying that something will happen?" Lucian''s lips stretched to form an evil


    smile.


    Amelia''s face turned red, and she looked away, refuting in a high-pitched voice, "I didn''t mean that!"


    Why did the topic seem to go down in the gutter? She was looking down in embarrassment.


    Amelia hesitated before raising her head to look at the smiling face of Lucian. He was gazing down at


    her in affection. Her heart thudded, and the guilt she had felt for a few days washed away.


    After work, Amelia begged Lucian to take her to a local market to purchase ingredients. She wanted to


    cook for him personally. Even though Lucian wasn''t very keen on going to the local market, he


    reluctantly agreed.


    He wanted to taste Amelia''s cooking.


    "I''ll wait for you in the car." Lucian wanted to go to the supermarket, but Amelia opted for the local one.


    Being a neat freak, he felt uneasy after ncing at the crowded market.


    Amelia knew him well. He would rather spend money in a spacious restaurant than to purchase


    ingredients in such a local market. "Okay, I''ll be back."


    She didn''t give him a chance to argue with her and headed straight to stalls on the side.


    Even though Amelia was tall and slim, her plump face made her look like a naughty child. She was


    calm when she gazed carefully at the stalls, looking lovely and graceful.


    Lucian smiled at Amelia, who danced from one stall to another like a bee seeking honey. He got out of


    the car and followed her.


    At that time, the market was crowded with shopaholic people. Amelia pushed through the crowd and


    approached the stall. Her eyes swept past various ingredients on the counter.


    She didn''t ask Lucian about what he wanted to eat, bing even more confused.


    A momentter, she shrugged her shoulders, picking up a few things from the shop. She would just get


    something she liked. At that moment, Amelia realized everyone had a trace of selfishness in their


    hearts, even her.


    Just when she was about to pick up a potato, an unknown man pushed her away from the stall. He


    asked in a rough voice, "Do you know the price?"


    Amelia held a potato in her hand and presented him with a questioning look.


    He could''ve asked without pushing her. The man gave her a sly smile, but she ignored it and moved up


    to the corner. Just when she was about to pick up another potato, his fingers brushed against her.


    The touch of an unknown man made her blood boil.


    She pointed the finger at him as a warning.


    The evil grin shed across the man''s face. "Hey babe, how about spending time at my ce?"


    Amelia never thought of meeting such a shameless person. In her eyes, his greasy skin and mouth


    filled with saliva looked even more disgusting.


    "Buzz off!" Amelia turned around to rush at another stall.


    The man licked his chapped lips. "She has a temper. I like it!" He put his hand on Amelia''s shoulder,


    fingers digging in her skin.


    A sharp pain jolted in her shoulder, making her whimper. When she was about to turn around, someone


    pushed the man away from her. It was Lucian who did that.


    Lucian became the center of attention when the crowd turned their heads at this scene.


    The onlookers took out their phones to take pictures. Some cheered as the two of them fought in the


    middle of the street. Most women focused on how handsome Lucian looked.


    Lucian punched the man in the face. The molester copsed on the ground like a sack of potatoes.


    Before he could retaliate, Lucian grabbed his right hand and twisted it, pinning the molester against the


    road. The spittle of that man dropped on the ground.


    "Oh my God! This is so cool." Ady standing among the crowd gazed at Lucian with sparkling eyes.


    "Are they filming this fight for a TV series? The actor is so handsome. I''m already drooling over him."


    Another girl pped her hands at the scene.


    A proud smile formed on Amelia''s mouth at those words.


    "You will have to pay forying a finger on my woman!" Lucian gave several hard kicks to the


    molester''s face.


    Amelia stared at Lucian with horrified eyes and rushed to stop him. Blood was already gushing out of


    the man''s face. "Lucian, can we go, please?" She didn''t want to make a scene in front of the crowd.


    Lucian gave him onest kick and turned to look at Amelia. "Are you all right?" His eyes scanned her


    face to see if she was hurt.


    Amelia shook her head, and her heart was flooded with a trace of warmth.


    "No more shopping." Lucian''s eyes softened when he looked at Amelia''s smile. "Let''s go somewhere


    else to rx."


    Amelia nodded, knowing she wouldn''t get a chance to refute.


    In the car, her nce cast on Lucian''s wounded knuckles, and she gasped. If it wasn''t for Lucian


    clutching the steering wheel, she wouldn''t have noticed his injury at all.


    "Your hands!" Her eyes went wide at the sight of blood and scratches on the back of his hands.


    "My fist hit the ground when I was punching that bastard''s face." He made a U-turn and looked on the


    street as if his injury was a trivial matter.


    Amelia''s heart twisted into a knot, and she said, "It''s all my fault. We should''ve gone to the supermarket


    instead."


    Lucian burst outughing at her words and gave her a yful nce. "Yes, it''s your fault for being so


    beautiful."


    Amelia blushed at his response. "Technically, only a fashionable woman can be called beautiful, don''t


    you think?" For Amelia, it was a wonder how she managed to arouse the attention of another man even


    when she was never keen on wearing make-up.


    Lucian shed a grin and looked at her. "So, you must be natural beauty."


    Truthfully, Amelia was indeed a natural beauty.


    She was not a fan of make-up, and she would only allow simple make-up on her face.


    But there was another reason why Amelia never wore any make-up. She was toozy to wear the


    make-up on her face.


    "Lucian, we should eat at home." It was then Amelia realized that she had all the ingredients at home


    because of Lily. Why did she have to use her tiny brain to purchase it from the local market? They


    could have avoided the incident easily.


    Lucian presented her with a pensive look. "Weren''t you thinking that you did a great job by rushing at


    the market? In the end, it was all for nothing."


    "I''m sorry for your injury." A trace of guilt washed over her face, making her pout.


    Seeing her sincerity, Lucian couldn''t bring himself to tease her. "You know something?"


    "What?" She looked at him with a confused gaze.


    "Love isn''t just about words, but living together with peace." Lucian stopped the car at the signal and


    turned his warm gaze toward Amelia.


    Why did his words sound so familiar?


    Her eyes sparkled as she recollected something from the past. "Did Darren tell you this?"


    Darren had once asked her if she loved Lucian. Even though Amelia''s reply came from her heart,


    Darren didn''t seem to take it seriously.


    Amelia''s heart was beating fast because of his words. What he had said was the same thing that had


    been in her mind.


    Lucian shook his head and shed a charming smile at her. He approached her, cing his hand on


    her cheek. "I want to listen to my heart and live a peaceful life in marriage."


    Did the two of them have simr views on marriage?

 Chapter 51 We Are Meant To Be Together

    Chapter 51 We Are Meant To Be Together


    Amelia almost lost control of herself. She covered her mouth with her hands and looked at Lucian, eyes


    full of affection.


    Oftentimes, she found it difficult to see right through him but there were also instances where she felt


    as if she understood him¡ªclear as day.


    She always felt that they were from two different worlds. He was out of her league¡ªhe was much


    higher and they didn''t have anything inmon.


    "What are you doing?" Lucian asked in confusion.


    "Nothing... Nothing!" Amelia answered, flustered.


    "What did Darren say to you?" Lucian asked curiously.


    "Nothing... Nothing." She looked like a stuttering fool.


    Lucian decided to let it go and just focus on his driving.


    After returning to the SJ Garden, Lucian took off his coat. Amelia walked up to him with a bottle of


    disinfectant in her hand. She shook the bottle, smiled, and said, "My handsome Lucian, would you give


    me the honor of disinfecting your wound for you?"


    Lucian rejected her without thinking. He frowned in disgust as he cast a cold nce at Amelia.


    Amelia already knew that Lucian would refuse her. So she then said angrily, "Forget it. It''s not my hand


    anyway. It makes no difference to me if your hand hurts or not. If it''s infected then let it be infected. I


    have no choice but to take the responsibility because I''m your wife!"


    With that, she got up and turned with the intention of leaving.


    Lucian wasn''t entirely clueless. Smiling, he pulled her into his arms. Her fragrance suddenly filled his


    nose, making his heart jump out of his chest. He couldn''t help himself as he inhaled the scent of her


    hair.


    "Ahh!" Amelia cried in a panic.


    "Amelia, are you really fulfilling your duty as a wife?" He whispered in her ear.


    Amelia''s ears were hot as an electric shook went through her entire body.


    "I don''t think you have," he finally said.


    As an adult, it was inevitable for her mind to assume that he meant something else. She blushed.


    "Well... we..." ''We''re only married on paper,'' Amelia thought to herself. ''He''s talking nonsense.''


    "I said I wouldn''t force you to answer that question but..." With that, Lucian let go of Amelia. His eyes


    were full of tenderness. As he gazed at her, Amelia had to look away because she couldn''t stand the


    intensity.


    "Yes?" Amelia said after a long pause of neither of them saying anything.


    ''But you''re the woman that I want to spend the rest of my life with,''


    Lucian thought to himself. Still, he refused to say it out loud. He felt as if he said it now, it would be


    insincere.


    He needed time to give both her and himself a chance to grow up. Their rtionship had no foundation.


    They knew so little about each other.


    "But I''m willing to ept your... offer." With his eyes full of mischief, Lucian reached out his hand and


    raised his eyebrows.


    Turns out Lucian was naughty after all.


    Amelia smiled from ear to ear as she grabbed his hand and disinfected it. Then she put a bandaid over


    it and reminded him, "Don''t let it get wet."


    Lucian couldn''t help but be amused at how seriously she was taking all of this.


    "Well, you can watch TV while I cook dinner." She then stood up and headed to the kitchen, rolling up


    her sleeves.


    As Lucian watched her walk off, he couldn''t help but smile, the warmth in his heart undeniable.


    He felt that even though they hadn''t been together for a very long time, the familiarity between them


    was almost as if they were more than family or friends who had known each other for years.


    In the past, Amelia didn''t really think anything of cooking. It was just something she did to satisfy her


    cravings buttely, she was finding it to be a source of happiness for her.


    She loved being able to cook for the people that were important to her.


    Lily, who would assist her whenever she cooked, always spoke highly of her cooking.


    After a while, they were finally done cooking. They had made soup and four dishes which they served


    on the table. The smell was irresistible that Lucian couldn''t wait to dig in all the food Amelia had


    cooked.


    Amelia smiled in delight.


    As Lucian ate, he gave her a thumbs up and said, "You know, with your cooking skills, I think the Zhan


    Group can expand to the restaurant industry."


    As Lily watched the two of them have dinner, she couldn''t help but gush, "Mr. Lucian and Mrs. Amelia


    are the perfect couple."


    Lily always saw Lucian as someone who was cold and unapproachable. Oftentimes, she steered clear


    of him. However, now, Lucian was smiling and the tenderness in his eyes was evident.


    Amelia lowered her head shyly and put her hands on her face. When she wasn''t flushing anymore, she


    turned to Lily, "Lily,e. Sit down and let''s eat together."


    Lily''s face turned pale with fear. She refused hastily, "Mr. Lucian, Mrs. Amelia, please enjoy your dinner.


    I suddenly remembered that I need to call my mother. I need to go out for a while."


    "Are you serious?" Amelia asked in confusion as she watched Lily scurry away.


    After swallowing the food in his mouth, Lucian said calmly, "Do you think everyone is as blind as you?


    Can you be more observant? Or do you need sses?" Amelia just couldn''t understand what he


    meant. She didn''t think there was anything wrong with inviting Lily to have dinner with them. Pulling a


    long face, she said unhappily, "You know, they''re people too. She takes such good care of you and you


    don''t even like her!"


    All of a sudden, Lucian stopped eating. When he saw the angry look on Amelia''s face, he figured that


    she may have just misunderstood him. He shook his head and exined, "Status doesn''t matter to me.


    I can''t say anything if you keep misunderstanding me."


    Lucian was only trying to point out that Lily probably didn''t want to disturb them. However, it seems as if


    Amelia had misconstrued it for something else.


    Lucian was so angry that he only took a few more bites.


    He thought he was sessful in letting Amelia know that he was upset but it turns out, that wasn''t the


    case.


    "You''re so lucky you''re handsome. If it were anyone else, they''d just look like a hungry wolf...." Amelia


    continued gazing at him as she put a piece of fish in his bowl. She then said, "Let''s have dinner with


    Lilyter. It''s sad to eat dinner with just the two of us."


    Looks like Amelia only praised him to cushion him for what she was going to suggest next.


    Chuckling, Lucian thought to himself, ''She really is smart. Has she always been like this? Or have I just


    not noticed it until now?''


    "Of course!" he agreed right away. He then put down his utensils and eyed Amelia as a mischievous


    smile appeared on his face. "Shouldn''t you give me something to show your gratitude?"


    He''s such a businessman!


    Amelia scornfully turned her head. "You can just say yes or no."


    "Oh, Mrs. Amelia, you have such a bad temper." Lucian smiled, put some of her favorite food onto her


    te and said, "I''m happy if you''re happy."


    Still grinning, he went back to eating. Ameliaughed merrily. "Thank you, Lucian!"


    She smiled like a child when she was happy.


    "It''s thank you, honey." He looked at her with a doting smile.


    Amelia blushed and lowered her head, pretending not to hear what he said.


    It wasn''t as awkward anymore as before. Now, they wouldugh and talk whenever they were together.


    The following week, they grew closer as they familiarized themselves with each other even more.


    Lucian wasn''tfortable letting Amelia drive on her own anymore especially after the car incident.


    Thus, he would take her to work and pick her up every day. On the nights that he had social


    engagements to attend, he would ask Frank to take Amelia home.


    The day before new year''s day, Amelia received a phone call from Vernon. He was inviting her and


    Lucian to visit the Mo family for the holiday.


    Amelia didn''t give him a response yet as she wanted to wait for Lucian toe home so they could


    discuss it in person.


    The end of the year was rather busy for Lucian. He spent most of his time in the conference room. As


    his assistant, Amelia would sort his documents in the office and in her spare time, read magazines.


    This job allowed her some free time during the day which she was allowed to spend any way she


    wanted.


    She and Lucian slept in separate rooms. Understandably, Lily was curious about this arrangement.


    However, Amelia was always good ating up with excuses. Even if Lily had her doubts, she couldn''t


    say anything.


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    After dinner, Lucian sat on the sofa with hisptop on hisp. He was typing vigorously.


    She fetched him a ss of water, walked over, and asked cautiously, "You still have work?"


    Whenever he worked, he looked so serious which made him look even more handsome.


    He gave off a vibe that made Amelia want to get closer to him even more.


    She couldn''t quite make out how she felt. As she gazed at Lucian, she watched him carefully¡ªhis


    slender fingers tapped on the keyboard like beautiful notes that tugged at her heartstrings.


    Lucian stopped what he was doing, looked up at her and asked, "What''s up?"


    "Well... I''m fine. Don''t worry about me. " Amelia walked off and pretended to watch TV on the other end


    of the sofa.


    ''That''s strange. Lucian always worked in his study. Why is he suddenly working here in the living room?


    He''s been doing that for a few days now. Wouldn''t he find the noiseing from the TV distracting?''


    "What is it? Just blurt it out. I only sent out a few e-mails." With that, Lucian closed hisptop and


    turned to look at Amelia, waiting for her to speak.


    She had no choice but to say it now that he had insisted.


    "Well... Are you free tomorrow? If you are, can we go to the Mo mansion? If you''re busy, it''s fine, I can


    just call my father and exin," she said in one breath, looking timidly at Lucian.


    She wasn''t sure how Lucian was going to respond.

 Chapter 52 Having Fun On The New Years Eve

    Chapter 52 Having Fun On The New Year''s Eve


    "Are you really showing consideration for your husband?" Lucian couldn''t help but smile at how she


    hastily exined everything before he''d even asked.


    He had been so busy these past few days that the holiday had slipped his mind.


    "That''s not it!" she denied.


    She really wasn''t in the mood to go to the Mo mansion because she didn''t want to see Ynda and


    Jasper.


    Upon noticing the frown on her face, Lucian already knew what was going on.


    He put theputer aside and walked over to her side, whispering, "I''ll go with you tomorrow."


    "Okay." Amelia raised her head and smiled.


    He walked over to the window so he could call Eric and give him a few reminders. Then he walked


    back to where Amelia was and said, "Do you want to spend the New Year''s Eve with me tonight?"


    Amelia was watching the New Year''s G with great interest. When she heard Lucian, she looked at


    him and asked curiously, "How?"


    Lucian didn''t know what to respond.


    He pulled Amelia up and ordered, "Put on your shoes and let''s go out."


    Amelia couldn''t resist. She followed Lucian''s orders as he was going to apany her to the Mo


    mansion tomorrow after all and she had to return the favor.


    "Why don''t you wear the clothes I bought for you?" Lucian asked, frowning, upon noticing how inly


    Amelia was dressed.


    Amelia was tall and slender and she preferred to dress as ordinarily as she could.


    "The clothes you bought are too expensive..." she said slowly.


    "Well, now I know what it means to be so bizarre." Lucian shook his head, looking helpless. On the


    inside, he was amused.


    Amelia worried that she was dressed inappropriately. Looking down at her clothes, she said in a low


    voice, "The long, red, cotton coat, jeans, ts boots. They''re all very nice...


    I like wearing red especially that we''re celebrating the new year tomorrow."


    "I didn''t say it''s not beautiful. I just wanted to see you wear the clothes I bought for you," Lucian said,


    raising his eyebrows.


    "I''m not your property. Why should I wear the clothes for you?" Amelia replied arrogantly then she


    added, "A confident woman is the most beautiful woman."


    Still amused, Lucian slowed down and gazed at Amelia tenderly. "I wish you were mine though."


    Lucian spoke in a low voice and his eyes were full of affection as he looked at Amelia.


    Amelia blushed and quickly turned to the window, pretending to be engrossed in the night scenery.


    The atmosphere of the new year''s eve was extraordinarily festive and beautiful. The trees on both


    sides of the road were glinting, lighting up the night in a lovely way.


    The square was swarming with people as loud music yed. What was supposed to be a quiet night


    turned into a lively one that made everyone forget about the cold.


    Lucian didn''t stop the car until they arrived at the seaside. The beautiful night scene made Amelia feel


    warm despite the chilly weather. She looked surprised as well.


    She grew up in the city but she had never seen the bustling night scene of the Wild Fox Ind in the


    city in person. At that moment, she was so happy that she felt as if even her heart was smiling with her.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Come and sit here." Lucian took Amelia''s hand and led her to the chair covered with the nket. After


    she sat down, he took off his coat and said apologetically, "I forgot to remind you to wear more clothes


    because it''s cold out here."


    Inhaling the scent of the sea and feeling the cold breeze, Amelia felt warm on the inside. Lucian''s voice


    made her feel as if her heart was going to jump out of her chest.


    She frowned and tried to take off Lucian''s coat and return it to him but he stopped her.


    "Put it on. You might catch a cold," Amelia said worriedly.


    "I''m fine, Amelia," he said casually. "If you take it off, I''ll throw it out to the sea so we can catch a cold


    together."


    ''When did he be so... unreasonable?'' Amelia thought to herself.


    "Alright, alright. I''ll put it on. I don''t want such an expensive coat to go to waste," she said, her voice


    dripping with sarcasm.


    A satisfied smile appeared on Lucian''s face. Then he pointed at the brilliantly illuminated spot not far


    away. "Do you know what that sculpture is?"


    Amelia shook her head. When she thought of the name of the ind, she guessed, "Well, this ce is


    called the Wild Fox Ind. Did foxes live here before?"


    "Not exactly." Lucian shook his head as he kept his eyes on the sculpture from the distance. He


    exined smoothly, "They said that a long time ago, fishermen lived here. They fished for a living and


    lived a quiet and peaceful life. Suddenly, a fox escaped from the mountain. The people didn''t know


    what to do with it so they locked it in a cage. One day, a boy saw the fox in the cage. He decided to set


    the fox free. This caused the fishermen to get angry. As his punishment, they drove him out to the


    woods, exiling him..."


    "What happened to the boy?" Amelia asked when Lucian suddenly stopped.


    Smiling, Lucian stood up and took Amelia''s hand. He pointed to a lit up road and said, "This is called


    the lover''s road. They say that couples who walk down this road fall in love and live happily ever after.


    Come on, let''s go for a walk."


    "Lover''s road?" She''d heard of this way back when she was still with Jasper. She had always wanted to


    go but before they could, they''d already broken up.


    When he saw that she looked sad and dejected, he thought that she didn''t want to go with him. Not


    wanting to force her, he decided to continue his story.


    "Why is your hand so cold?" Noticing the coldness in her fingers, Lucian held her hand tighter.


    "Oh, I''ve always been like this." She withdrew her hand awkwardly, her face blushing.


    Back when she was still in school, Courtney would alwaysment how cold her hands were and how


    she would use them to cool off during the summer.


    "Anyway, the boy..."


    "I thought we were going for a walk?" Amelia suddenly interrupted Lucian, her heart beating fast.


    Lucian was a little surprised but he quickly recovered as usual. His heart fluttered in joy.


    "My hands are warmer," he said gently as he held her hand again.


    Amelia didn''t refuse. When Lucian interlocked his hands with hers, she felt as if her heart beat was


    pulsing in her ears.


    It didn''t take long for them to finish their walk as the road wasn''t very long. Amelia felt so nervous the


    entire time. All she could think of was how secure she felt with Lucian right next to her.


    Hand in hand, they prolonged their walk by going back and forth the road. Every now and then, they


    would share a fond look.


    Lucian purposely left his story unfinished as the ending was a tragedy and he didn''t want to dampen


    their mood. He finished with the suspense, leaving Amelia toe up with the ending that she wanted.


    It was such a cold winter and Amelia felt so grateful that she had Lucian by her side who was willing to


    protect her and even give her his coat.


    "Are we going back early in the morning?" As they stood on the beach, she could smell the salty water


    and feel the cold wind blow on her body.


    Lucian was only wearing a cored shirt because he had taken off his coat. Although he imed that


    the shirt was quite thick, it was still very cold outside. Amelia felt guilty hogging his coat thus leaving


    him to feel the harsh cold of the winter.


    "Yes, what''s wrong?" He thought Amelia was bored already.


    "Don''t you feel cold?" Amelia asked in a soft voice, her eyes full of concern.


    Lucian immediately understood what she meant. He shook his head, smiling. "I''m fine. I''m not cold


    anymore."


    "I don''t believe you!" Amelia gave him a hard look and looked around. Then she pointed at a yacht and


    said, "Let''s go there. I bet it''s warmer there."


    "Okay." He smiled.


    Rarely did Amelia look out for him and he wanted to savor the moment.


    She thought that they would have the yacht to themselves. However, when they arrived inside, they


    saw how many tourists were inside. They were enjoying the view, most of which were couples.


    "Hmm. Let''s go?" Lucian liked the quietness. He thought he could just rent another yacht so they could


    have some privacy.


    However, Amelia shook her head, reluctant to leave.


    Lucian merely agreed and quickly found a ce to sit for both of them.


    "It''s warmer here, right?" Amelia shed him a huge grin.


    Lucian nodded. It seemed as if his mind was elsewhere.


    They were surrounded by couples who danced happily on the yacht. There were also a few single


    young men who seemed to be in high spirits. When they caught sight of Amelia and Lucian sitting in


    the corner by themselves, they approached the two and said excitedly, "It''s new year''s eve! Come on,


    let''s have fun and dance the night away!"


    They were already being a bit pushy as they tried to pull Amelia up. Lucian wasn''t able to restrain


    himself. He quicklynded a punch across their face when they tried to touch her.


    One of the men was knocked over. Hispanions rushed over to him and cursed at Lucian.


    "Stop it!" Amelia cried.


    This incident scared the couples away that they immediately left the yacht.


    It was four against one and Lucian didn''t stand a chance. Soon, he had been knocked over. Amelia


    was so scared that she felt as if her heart was going to jump out of her chest.


    She screamed and cried for help but nobody responded. The sound of firecrackers was too


    overpowering for anyone to hear them while the others just didn''t want to be involved.


    Despite being knocked over, Lucian still got up and kicked one of the men in the crotch. The man


    screamed in pain. Lucian looked like a martial artist with his swift and smooth movements. At that point,


    he looked more handsome than ever.


    Amelia immediately walked over to Lucian and said, frightened, "Let''s get out of here!"


    "You want to leave? No way!" However, they were approached by the group of men once again. They


    stopped Amelia first then Lucian. One of them said angrily, "What a shame. We thought you were a


    decent man. Turns out you''re not! We just wanted to invite you guys to dance. Why would you


    suddenly start a fight?"

 Chapter 53 The Affection In A Kiss

    Chapter 53 The Affection In A Kiss


    The man wiped blood from the corner of his mouth and red at Lucian.


    Lucian remained calm. Even if these men were about to attack him, he kept a coolposure. Instead,


    he spat in disgust, "If you ever touch her again, I''ll make sure you pay for it."


    If they hadn''t touched Amelia, he wouldn''t have hit them. Amelia was his trigger. If anyone hurt her, he


    wouldn''t stop at anything. He would make sure that there were consequences.


    "Wow, you look pretty decent. You''re probably rich. Why don''t youe over here and show us what


    you got then?" The man smiled with disdain as he gestured for the three other men to start attacking


    Lucian.


    Meanwhile, he had pinned Amelia down. Smiling evilly, he said, "Your man may be a good fighter but


    he can''t fight three people on his own unless he has three heads and six arms!"


    They punched Lucian simultaneously. Since there were three of them, he wasn''t able to dodge. Amelia


    had seen this entire scene unfold¡ªtwo fists brutallynding a punch on Lucian''s shoulders.


    "Please! Stop fighting!" Amelia begged, tears streaming down her face.


    The man was right. Even if Lucian was a good fighter, he was no match for the three. In a panic, she


    grabbed the man''s sleeve and pleaded, "Can you stop them? Please? I''ll apologize to you, okay?"


    Lucian grew restless and furious upon hearing Amelia''s crying. He retaliated with another punch.


    Amelia was relieved to see that Lucian was fighting back. "Come on, Lucian!"


    Lucian was motivated by Amelia cheering him on. However, as the two men fell on the ground, the


    other snuck behind Lucian and pped the back of his neck. The sudden attack caused Lucian to fall


    to the ground. Amelia tried to speak but she couldn''t¡ªshe had choked. She felt as if her heart had


    stopped beating when she saw Lucian fall.


    "Lucian!" Amelia hurried towards him, tears pouring out of her eyes. She was extremely scared.


    "I''m fine," Lucian murmured as he opened his eyes. He reached out to wipe the tears off Amelia''s face


    ¡ªhis face pale and weak.


    "Don''t say anything. I''ll take you to the hospital." She then took out her phone and called Eric. She


    asked him to pick them up so he could drive them to the hospital.


    The men were about to flee when Lucian fell on the ground but they were blocked by several men in


    ck and promptly taken away.


    "Sorry, Mr. Lucian. We''rete." A man in ck helped Lucian stand up and nodded apologetically.


    "Can you help me take him to the hospital?" Amelia begged, looking at the man expectantly.


    "Mrs. Amelia, please don''t panic. We''ll take Mr. Lucian to the hospital right now," the man in ck


    comforted her.


    Amelia didn''t expect that the man in ck would know who she was. Although she had no idea who the


    man in ck was, she had to focus her attention on Lucian.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Just as she was helping him out of the yacht, he suddenly refused to go to the hospital saying that he''d


    be fine after a while.


    Of course, Amelia refused. She insisted, "We need to go to the hospital. I''m worried about you!" She


    blushed after she spoke.


    Lucian couldn''t help but smile. He held Amelia''s hand and said, "I feel much better. I don''t have to go to


    the hospital anymore."


    He felt as if he was already better now that Amelia was by his side again. He wasn''t feeling any pain in


    the back of his neck anymore.


    The group of men in ck were still around so Amelia lowered her head in embarrassment, feeling


    ufortable.


    "Don''t get mad. Everything will be fine. Just teach those men a lesson," Lucian told the men in ck


    with a cold look on his face.


    Since Amelia didn''t get hurt, there was no need to re up but he still had to teach them a lesson.


    Lucian''s woman can''t be treated like that.


    The men in ck obediently took the order and retreated quickly.


    As Amelia watched them move swiftly, she was shocked. "Lucian Zhan, I feel like I''m shooting an


    action movie!"


    With the fight and the men in ck suddenly rescuing them, Amelia felt like she was in a movie as


    everything happened so quickly.


    Upon seeing the amazed look on her face, he grinned and said, "Just Lucian''s fine, okay? It sounds


    better."


    Amelia immediately flushed. When Amelia said his name, he felt as if a warm current ran through his


    body, his heart fluttering.


    Amelia lowered her head bashfully, just wanting to be swallowed whole by the ground. It felt so intimate


    to call him by just his name.


    She was already ustomed to calling him Lucian Zhan and she hadn''t realized that she''d called him


    by just his name.


    "I didn''t realize!" she exined, still flushing.


    Lucian''s smile deepened and said, "You''ve been deceiving me."


    She decided to let it go so she looked away and pointed to the colorful lights. "Around midnight,


    everything''s going to light up and the city''s going to look so beautiful."


    Lucky for Lucian, Amelia brought this up as he had a surprise nned for here midnight. He took


    out his phone to look at the time¡ªthey still had around 10 minutes before the clock struck 12. He


    grabbed her hand. "Let''s go! Follow me."


    His voice was irresistible.


    "Where are we going?" she asked in confusion as she followed Lucian.


    As she thought of how Lucian defended her from those guys in the yacht, she felt as if they were closer


    now. He really did care about her.


    They walked around the seaside hand in hand. Atst, Lucian stopped at the stone tablet. He bent over


    and whispered to Amelia, "Sit here."


    Amelia obediently followed. She sat on the bench and looked curiously at the night sky, wondering


    what was going to happen next.


    "Sir, everything is ready." Just then, Eric came over and reported this.


    She called Eric earlier at the yacht to ask for his help but she didn''t expect that she''d see him here.


    "I''m sorry, Mrs. Amelia. I know you called for help earlier but I was dealing with things here. When I


    finally arrived, I found that you and Lucian had already been rescued. You must have been frightened.


    Mr. Lucian told me what happened." Eric bowed his head as a way to apologize.


    Amelia stood up quickly and waved her hand.


    Suddenly, she was surrounded by heart-shaped lights as fireworks rose up in the sky. It was exactly


    midnight now and the sky was covered in fireworks.


    Everything was so beautiful. Amelia felt her heart fluttering.


    She looked at Lucian who was then slowly walking towards her, a smile on his face.


    She was so nervous that she could hardly breathe.


    As Lucian approached her, she felt her heart beat pulsing in her ears.


    All of a sudden, a song yed in Amelia''s mind, "Youe from the sea with a gust of wind and


    storms..."


    As the fireworks continued to fill the sky, Lucian made his way to her. She felt nervous and happy at the


    same time.


    At that moment, they were the only two people in the world. They gazed at each other, getting lost in


    each other''s eyes.


    "Happy new year, Amelia," Lucian said softly.


    His voice was full of affection.


    With a happy smile on her face, Amelia took the roses from Lucian and bit her lower lip. Tears welled


    up in her eyes. She was touched.


    "That fight almost ruined my n but I guess it made me realize too how much I really care about you."


    Lucian ced his hands on Amelia''s shoulders and gazed at her tenderly.


    Everything was so emotionally charged. Amelia''s heart fluttered.


    She admired Lucian''s courage and determination to protect her.


    "I... I''m sorry I lied to you before. I didn''t mean to do that. I just didn''t want you to misunderstand


    anything." She lowered her head and as she spoke, her voice was very weak.


    Lucian tightened his grip on Amelia. "Now that you can think about our rtionship outside of external


    factors. What''s your answer?"


    Of course, Amelia knew what the answer was. Last time, when she told Lucian the truth, he''d been too


    angry to ept it.


    Her eyes were as clear as crystal. All she had for Lucian was love and care. At that moment, she


    looked lovelier than ever.


    "Then listen carefully." Her voice was light and sincere. She slowly spoke, emphasizing each word,


    "Lucian, I really like you. What should I do?"


    Amelia had never been this honest before.


    Lucian was much taller than her so he could see her quite well. Amelia didn''t look up even after she


    finished speaking. Lucian kept his gaze on her as she blushed. Her heart was still pounding. She had


    no idea what he was going to do when he suddenly kissed her.


    This time, she didn''t push him away. She wasn''t scared anymore. Instead, she weed the kiss with


    open arms.

 Chapter 54 Only For You

    Chapter 54 Only For You


    Love filled their hearts with the sparks of passionate love, simr to how fireworks brightened up the


    sky.


    Romance embraced the couple.


    Lucian reluctantly pulled away, afraid that Amelia would be out of breath.


    His hot breath tickled her tender skin, making her lower lip quiver.


    Before Amelia could react, Lucian took two steps back and knelt on one knee, taking out the ring he


    had prepared in advance. His eyes carried a trace of affection when he gazed at her. "Amelia, will you


    marry me?"


    Amelia''s breath was stuck in her throat after seeing him. After looking at the sincere emotion on


    Lucian''s face, a flush of warmth flooded her heart.


    "I know I had forced you to wear the wedding ring back then, but this one is a token of my love for you."


    Seeing that she did not respond for a long time, Lucian added.


    "Get up." Amelia was so moved that her voice sounded breathless.


    Seeing her respond like that, his shoulders tensed. Lucian held up the dazzling diamond ring,


    expectation glinting in his eyes.


    "What a waste of money!" Amelia frowned and red at him.


    Lucian rxed after hearing her tone. He put the ring on Amelia''s finger and kissed her again.


    Amelia snuggled in his arms. The feeling of bliss overflowed her heart.


    Although she had seen such an event on TV, she hadn''t expected to go through with it for real. Her


    heart flooded with the waves of excitement.


    "Doesn''t it feel strange to wear rings in all your fingers?" Amelia held her hand and looked at the


    fingers intently. She knew these diamond rings must have been expensive, even though she had no


    idea about its details. Seeing him get another costly ring on an impulse, Amelia thought that Lucian


    wasn''t good at managing finance.


    Lucian was still thinking about what to do with the ring. Then an idea popped up in his mind. He


    attached the ring on a ne from another box and put it around Amelia''s neck.


    She lowered her head and smiled.


    This man could handle any problem.


    "There! Now you won''t lose this ring." Lucian stared at her for a moment and nodded in satisfaction.


    Amelia''s face was red like a beautiful rose blooming under sunlight.


    This night was destined to be blissful for them.


    The couple cuddled on the beach, watching the beautiful fireworks. They were the happiest people in


    the world.


    It was already three o''clock in the morning when Lucian and Amelia finally arrived at the SJ Garden.


    Lucian parked the car and turned to look at his sleeping wife. He picked her up, bringing her sleeping


    figure to the bedroom.


    Amelia woke up at noon. The first thing she noticed was the sweater she was wearing. Her eyes


    narrowed. Didn''t she have a coat on her body yesterday? A faint blush crept on her cheeks, thinking


    the romantic moments she had with Lucianst night. He wasn''t beside her. A thought shed in her


    head, they had to head over to the Mo mansion today.


    What Amelia didn''t know was that Lucian was taking a bath. She rubbed her eyes and opened the


    door. Looking at a naked man bathing in the shower, she froze.


    Her wide eyes stared at Lucian''s firm back.


    How could Lucian be ignorant of his wife''s movements? The corners of his mouth quirked up, but he


    continued to rub soap on his body as if he was alone.


    Her face slowly turned pink, and she closed the door behind her. She heaved a sigh of relief, thinking


    he hadn''t noticed her, running back to the bed.


    Lucian walked out with only a white towel around his waist, pausing to see his wife inside the quilt. A


    teasing smile shed on his lips. He sneakily walked toward her and pulled the quilt, finding her fast


    asleep. She was facing her back to him.


    His smile widened. Heid down beside her, putting his arm around her waist.


    Just as she thought she was good at pretending, a sweet fragrance filled her nose, making her heart


    leap up to the throat.


    Lucian paused for a moment before he turned her over to face him. The gesture was so frightening that


    she forgot to breathe for a moment. She was trying her best to keep her eyes shut, but she couldn''t


    stop her lips from pressing in a thin line.


    He chuckled at her expressions and said, "If you keep pretending, I''m not sure if I''ll be..."


    "No!" Opening her eyes, she cast a nervous nce at him.


    The first thing she saw was Lucian''s teasing smile that was too close to her face.


    She couldn''t look in his eyes. Warmth in her heart spread across every part of her body. His face was


    way too enchanting.


    Amelia was pleased after seeing him like this after waking up but shocked at the close proximity. She


    didn''t even know where to keep her hands.


    The closeness affected Lucian too, who was busy imagining a million things he could do with her. He


    caressed her cheek and swallowed, saying in a low maic voice, "You are so beautiful."


    Amelia''s face turned pinkish. She wanted to hide inside the quilt, but she dared not to move. She felt


    trapped under Lucian''s loving gaze.


    Before she could even think of a possible reaction, he chuckled and said in a husky voice, "All right,


    let''s get up." Lucian stood up and went to grab his clothes.


    Looking at Lucian''s back, Amelia gulped her saliva. If she said she wasn''t affected by what happened,


    she would be lying. Seeing him change, her blush deepened. She would be subjected to the scene in


    front of her every day in the future.


    "Your father called when you were sleeping." Lucian adjusted his coat and turned to cast her a pleasant


    smile. Amelia couldn''t even afford to blink. Why did he have to look so perfect in a suit?


    Every time she looked at him, he seemed to be even more handsome. By the time she went into


    the kitchen, Lucian had arranged the food on the table.


    Amelia knew Lucian hated waiting the most. She sat on her chair, swallowing a mouthful of food at


    once. Seeing her in a hurry, he frowned, "Take your time, Amelia. What''s the rush?"


    She looked at him in confusion. Wasn''t he supposed to urge her to eat faster? How did he change his


    mind?


    Before she could open her mouth, he smiled and said, "You don''t have to rush to thepany today.


    We can set off once you''re done."


    Her wide eyes stared at him for a long time. Was he the same Lucian she knew? An affectionate smile


    stered on his face as he stared at her in love. He was patiently waiting for her!


    Amelia sat back at the table and began to chew every morsel of the food. After eating, Lucian covered


    her shoulders with a warm coat. "It''s cold outside."


    Lily''s eyes sparkled when she saw their exchange. "Mr. Lucian, Mrs. Amelia, you are so sweet!"


    Amelia squatted to wear the shoes, pretending as if she heard nothing.


    They walked toward the car, and before she could do anything, Lucian opened the door for her. Just as


    she entered, he got in and fastened her seat-belts, startling her from head to toe.


    He started the engine, and she turned to face him. "Lucian, why are you treating me so well today?"


    Amelia couldn''t hold her curiosity, her heart spamming with surprise and bliss.


    Lucian only focused on his driving. "I don''t treat people well if I don''t love them."


    It was as if he had stated a fact.


    Truthfully, he meant everything he said. His affectionate words turned Amelia''s cheeks red. Her shy


    nce scanned his face. The guy looked focused and calm. Did he even realize just how sweet his


    words sounded to her?


    By the time they reached, she was surprised to see the number of gifts Lucian had prepared for the Mo


    family. It included a gift for Vernon, the beauty care products for Sophia, and the nourishing items that


    Ynda needed during her pregnancy.


    Amelia was stunned to see the size of the bags, and she rushed to help him.


    "Lucian, Amelia, you are here!" As soon as they entered the door, Vernon stood up and greeted them


    happily.


    Seeing that Vernon''s health had improved, a smile spread across Amelia''s lips. "Dad, you look great."


    "You can thank Lucian. He hired a maid for us and asked the doctor to check on me every day. He also


    arranged some nutritionists for me. Getting rid of my health issues was a piece of cake," Vernon said


    happily.


    Amelia turned to look at Lucian in surprise. She didn''t know what to say.


    Her husband had done so much for her behind her back.


    "Why are you still standing like a fool? Come in!" Vernon had a warm smile on his face.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Just as Lucian and Amelia sat in the living room, they heard someone''s footsteps. Amelia looked up to


    see Sophia walking at them with an elegant smile. Her hips swayed right and left as she walked.


    Amelia looked at her in disgust. She averted her eyes and focused on Lucian.


    "Look, who''s here? If I knew Lucian was going toe, I wouldn''t have nned to hang out with my


    friends," said Sophia. Her surprised eyes gazed at Lucian for a long time, before shifting her focus at


    Amelia. Sophia squinted her eyes at the girl sitting on the couch. "Amelia, this is all your fault. You


    should''ve informed us in advance beforeing to the Mo mansion."


    Amelia didn''t understand the dark meaning behind Sophia''s yful words. Instead of reciprocating,


    Amelia said in a cold voice, "Lucian and I are not rare guests. Besides, I came back to see my father."


    She hated Sophia to death. If it weren''t for Vernon, Amelia would banish her.

 Chapter 55 Bragging And Mocking

    Chapter 55 Bragging And Mocking


    The expression on Sophia''s face shifted however she knew she couldn''t get mad at Amelia because


    Lucian was there. In a sour tone, she said, "Yes, Vernon''s your father and I''m just your stepmother. It


    doesn''t matter if I''m here or not."


    Amelia was just about to tell her that what she said was true when she suddenly heard Ynda''s voice.


    "Mom, why did you ask us toe back? Jasper and I seldom have enough time to sleep. How


    annoying!"


    Amelia was surprised upon hearing this.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    She realized what Sophia just said was indeed an excuse. Sophia talked to them as if they weren''t


    expected guests. Ynda chiming in like that only embarrassed her.


    "This is the first day of the new year. You shouldn''t be developing bad habits such as sleeping in.


    Besides, you''re pregnant. You should be walking out and keeping yourself healthy." Embarrassed,


    Sophia walked up to Ynda and held her arms, her face gleaming. She said in joy, "My friends are so


    envious of me. They''re jealous that I have a grandson whom I can take care of!"


    "Hi, Ynda. Where is Jasper? Didn''t youe with him?" Vernon asked as he stood up.


    As soon as Ynda entered the living room, she caught a glimpse of the gifts on the table. Suddenly,


    her eyes lit up with excitement. Pointing at the gifts, she asked, "Lucian, did you buy them for me?"


    Amelia couldn''t help but look away. She just picked up her cup of tea and pretended to take a sip.


    Ynda just ignored Vernon''s question.


    "Dad''s asking you," Lucian said in a low voice instead of answering her question.


    "Uh..." Embarrassed, Ynda stole a nce at Amelia before answering her father''s question, "Dad,


    Jasper''s out getting some noodles from my favorite shop for me since I''m craving."


    After she spoke, she shot Amelia a nce to watch her reaction to what she had just said.


    While Amelia really was feeling strangely, it wasn''t anything like what she felt before. She just couldn''t


    stand Ynda purposely showing off Jasper to her. It was obvious that Ynda was just trying to get a


    rise out of Amelia.


    "Jasper is good to you. You shouldn''t be so bossy around him. He needs to be respected too," Sophia


    suddenly said sharply. She purposely raised her voice so that Amelia would hear.


    "Mom, why do you think that I don''t treat Jasper well? I''m carrying his baby. I can''t possibly go out. It


    might risk my pregnancy," Ynda said robotically. It was as if she was reading lines out of a script.


    Both Lucian and Amelia remained calm. Only Vernon seemed serious.


    It was as if he was too shocked to say anything.


    In the past few years, Vernon had always acted as the cushion between Sophia and Amelia. As much


    as possible, he tried to make sure that no one was getting unequal treatment. However, Ynda and


    Sophia were too overbearing that Amelia suffered as a result.


    "Ynda, just sit down." Vernon''s voice was stern. It seemed as if he was at a loss.


    Ynda noticed that Lucian and Amelia were just minding their own business, sipping their tea, and


    basically, just ignoring her. She sat down and began to look through the gifts on the table that Lucian


    had brought.


    "Lucian''s the talk of the town since Amelia''s married to him and he''s the most powerful man in the city. I


    felt so honored because Amelia''s my daughter," Sophia suddenly said, her voice dripping with


    sarcasm.


    Amelia didn''t mind her. She knew Sophia never saw her as family and the feeling was mutual. She just


    decided to ignore Sophia.


    "Yeah. She has always been a sweet girl," Vernon echoed, smiling kindly.


    The expression on Sophia''s face changed. She obviously didn''t want Vernon to be praising Amelia so


    she shifted the topic. "Amelia, you''re just 25 years old. This is the perfect time to have a child. Don''t


    you n on having one?"


    As Amelia sipped her tea, she didn''t know what if she should swallow it or spit it out as she was so


    taken aback by this sudden invasive question.


    Lucian, who had been silent this all time, suddenly spoke, "Well, Amelia and I aren''t the type to follow


    tradition. We''d like to spend this time nurturing our rtionship at least for the next two years. Only


    then will we think about having a baby."


    As an experienced businessman, he was always calm and collected even in the face of adversity.


    Amelia and Lucian first got married before getting into a real rtionship. The ring that Lucian had


    given herst night made everything official. As time passed by, their rtionship only grew for the


    better.


    "You''re right but a woman is only young once. You might find it difficult to get pregnant if you wait until


    Amelia''s a little bit older," Sophia spoke as if she knew everything. She then turned to the pregnant


    Ynda and said proudly, "Ynda''s only a year older than Amelia and she was smart enough to take


    advantage of her age to get pregnant while she''s still healthy."


    So did she only say all of that so she could praise Ynda in the end?


    "Yes, she just surprised us all with this, huh," Amelia sneered with disdain.


    Ynda and Jasper got married after Ynda got pregnant. That was what Amelia meant and it was


    not lost on Sophia.


    All the color on Ynda''s face drained, her brows furrowed together. She looked at Sophia expectantly


    as if she was longing for help.


    "Amelia, are you talking about Ynda?" Sophia was quick to rush to her daughter''s defense. Her once


    smiling face was reced with a scowl.


    "Following your logic then you''re being just as mean to me." Amelia stood up and walked to Lucian.


    "Lucian, we''re done visiting dad, we can leave now."


    She didn''t want to stay here anymore and spend another second with Ynda and Sophia.


    Lucian quickly stood up and responded, "Okay."


    Vernon wanted to convince them to stay however upon hearing that Lucian had agreed, he kept his


    mouth shut.


    On the way back, Amelia looked out of the window, still in low spirits.


    "Mrs. Amelia, if you want to go anywhere, I''ll chauffeur you for free. I''m all yours." Lucian tried to cheer


    Amelia up by teasing her.


    Amelia couldn''t help butugh. When she turned, she found that Lucian was grinning.


    "Can we go to the Imperial Middle School?" she suddenly suggested.


    She had both a lot of happy and sad memories in that ce.


    She really wasn''t in the mood to go anywhere but the first ce that came to her mind was the Imperial


    Middle School.


    Hearing this, Lucian''s face darkened. There was a strange look in his eyes. After a while, he finally


    said, "Can we go some ce else?"


    Amelia froze. She couldn''t figure out why Lucian wouldn''t want to go there. Still, she nodded and


    answered casually, "Okay, we can go wherever you want."


    Sensing the disappointment in her tone, Lucian grew confused. As much as he wanted to abide by her


    request, all his memories there were just too painful.


    As everything fell into a thick silence, Amelia''s phone suddenly started ringing. She grabbed her phone


    and found that it was Jonny calling.


    She looked at Lucian and answered the phone awkwardly.


    "Happy new year, Amelia." The voice at the other end of the line was very gentle.


    Amelia greeted him back politely. Jonny specifically requested that they keep their friendship a secret


    so Amelia did just that.


    "Where are you now?"


    "Uh..." Amelia nced at Lucian and said shyly, "Lucian and I are driving out. What''s up?"


    "Nothing. I just wanted to greet you a happy new year. I hope you have a great year."


    "Thank you," Amelia replied bashfully, ncing at Lucian uneasily.


    After hanging up the phone, Lucian suddenly said, "Let''s go to the Imperial Middle School."


    "What?" Amelia was taken aback. She didn''t know why Lucian suddenly changed his mind.


    The cold wind was blowing hard. Yellow leaves fell from the trees along both sides of the road. No one


    had cleaned them up yet as it was the new year''s holiday. They could hear the crunching on the leaves


    as they walked along the road.


    "Is this your alma mater?" Lucian asked in a low voice, sounding upset.


    "Yes, both middle school and high school," Amelia answered simply.


    Lucian didn''t say anything. He looked up at the building not far away, seemingly deep in thought.


    "The school was rebuiltter on and we didn''t have anything left from its original foundation," Amelia


    said wistfully as she gazed at the building.


    "You must have a lot of happy memories here. Why else would you want to constantly go back here?"


    Lucian said lightly as he turned to look at the face of Amelia.


    Her face suddenly turned pale and for a moment, she didn''t know how to answer this question.


    Happy memories? How? That wasn''t exactly true.


    "It''s all in the past now." She smiled as she stood under a tree, quiet and beautiful.


    Lucian nodded in agreement and smoothed her hair that was a bit messy around her forehead. In


    concern, he asked, "Are you cold?"


    Amelia couldn''t help but be moved. She shook her head with a smile.


    They stood under the tree, enjoying each other''s quiet presence.


    Amelia then looked up and saw Jonny walking towards them.


    She was so shocked that her mouth fell open, her eyes filled with surprise.


    Upon noticing this sudden shift on Amelia, Lucian turned his head and spotted Jonny approaching


    them.


    "Lucian, Amelia, what a coincidence!" Jonny was dressed casually. He looked cold but he still had an


    easy smile on his face.

 Chapter 56 Keeping A Proper Distance

    Chapter 56 Keeping A Proper Distance


    "What a coincidence indeed!" Lucian greeted with a smile. "Amelia wanted to visit her alma mater," he


    continued as he held Amelia''s hand, "I decided toe with her."


    Amelia beamed at Jonny as well as she nodded approvingly.


    Seeing the way Amelia and Lucian got together so well, Jonny couldn''t help but be stunned. "Well,


    since we''ve bumped into each other like this, let''s take a walk together," Jonny said with a smile of his


    own.


    Not knowing what to say, Amelia looked up at Lucian to see if he wanted to go with Jonny or not.


    Much to her surprise, Lucian nodded at Jonny''s invitation.


    Amelia tightened her hand around Lucian''s, making her feel more at ease.


    This made Lucian feel at ease as well, and instantly put him in a much better mood.


    Meanwhile, Jonny quietly looked at the two. Although there was still a smile on his face, there was a


    pained and sad look in his eyes.


    He had nned to invite Amelia to visit Imperial Middle School when he called her. But when he found


    out that she was out with Lucian, he felt very disappointed.


    Jonny didn''t think that they would actually run into each other today.


    "You seem to still remember the ins and outs of this ce, Jonny." They had reached the crystal clear


    lake just behind the main campus building. It was the ce where Amelia and Jonny had a talk from


    before.


    "We''ve studied here for a while after all," Jonny defended. "This ce is bound to leave some sort of


    impression on us, don''t you think?" "Well, I don''t remember anything,"


    Lucian said in a low voice, his face darkening.


    There was an indecipherable smile on Jonny''s face as he looked at Lucian. Finally he sighed and


    shook his head, "Never mind then."


    Amelia furrowed her eyebrows. ''What are they talking about?'' she wondered to herself. ''Maybe it''s


    some inside joke between them? Well, I was a few years younger than they were...''


    "I''m sorry to cut our visit short, but I think we should be heading back now," Lucian suddenly said.


    Surprised, Amelia looked up at Lucian and saw that the smile on his face was reced with a deep


    frown.


    Ever since Amelia and Lucian got here, Lucian seemed like he was not enjoying himself. At first she


    thought that he was bored, but she didn''t expect that a few words from Jonny would spoil his mood


    even more.


    "Okay," Jonny replied with a nod. Then he turned to look at Amelia, "Hey, maybe I''ll see you around


    soon?"


    "Well... Okay," Amelia smiled uneasily and blushed. "Happy new year," she said.


    After their quick good byes, Lucian held onto Amelia''s hand and walked back to the car. His strides


    were long and quick that Amelia almost had to run just to keep up. When they got into the car, Lucian


    drove back to SJ Garden without uttering a single word.


    Out of the corner of her eye, Amelia looked worriedly at Lucian, wondering why his mood had changed


    all of a sudden. Soon, they arrived at SJ Garden.


    "Mr. Lucian, Mrs. Amelia, you are back," Lily greeted warmly as usual.


    "Hey there, Lily," Amelia said with a smile, "why don''t I cook dinner tonight for a change?"


    "That would be lovely!" Lily pped her hands in delight and said, "The dishes Mrs. Amelia cooked are


    so delicious. I can tell that I''ll be eating a lot tonight!"


    Amelia jokingly rolled her eyes at Lily.


    Meanwhile, Lucian still hadn''t said a word. He took off his coat and slung it over his shoulder.


    Afterwards, he walked upstairs, his face devoid of any emotion.


    With the way Lucian was acting, Amelia felt that the atmosphere in the vi was a bit dull and


    depressing. A soft sigh escaped from her lips.


    "What happened? Is there something wrong with Mr. Lucian?" Lily asked. She also noticed that


    something was off with Lucian, which just proved how unhappy he really was at the moment.


    Amelia shook her head and told Lily that it was okay. Then, Amelia went into the kitchen and got


    started on dinner, trying to preupy her mind with cooking.


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    Lucian did note downstairs ever since he went up to the bedroom.


    Feeling worried, Amelia went up to check on him and to say that dinner was ready. Much to her


    surprise, Lucian wasn''t in the bedroom. ''Maybe he''s in the study,'' she thought. Sure enough, the door


    to the study was open, light pouring out into the hallway. Sure enough, Lucian was sitting there in front


    of his desk, looking through a pile of letters.


    Amelia hesitated whether or not she should knock. Taking a deep breath, she lightly knock at the door.


    "Come in," Lucian said. There was a frown on his face. He did not look up at Amelia, and had his eyes


    glued on the letters in his hands.


    "Dinner''s ready," Amelia said gingerly. "Why don''t youe down and get something to eat?"


    Her voice was filled with tenderness.


    Finally, Lucian sighed and looked up at Amelia. Then, he put the letters back inside a drawer and stood


    up. The two of them silently made their way to the dining room.


    Lucian remained quiet the entire time. After quickly finishing up his meal, he went to the living room and


    turned on the TV. The whole atmosphere was very quiet and awkward.


    Soon after, Amelia finished her food and stood up to clean the table. But Lily was quick to get the dirty


    dishes before Amelia could. "Mr. Lucian seems to be in a bad mood," Lily said in a low voice. "You


    should go and keep himpany."


    Nodding, Amelia went to the kitchen first to make some tea for Lucian. Then, she went up to him with a


    helpless smile, "Lucian, are you all right?


    Is it about work?"


    Lucian took the cup of tea from Amelia''s hand and took a small sip. He then looked up at Amelia


    curiously. "Do you... know Jonny?" he asked.


    Amelia did not expect that Lucian would ask this. The expression on her face gave away the panic in


    her heart.


    "No, not really," she hurriedly said, shaking her head. "I met him at Shelly''s birthday party."


    "He called you Amelia," he pressed, his tone sterner than before. It seemed that it was bothering him a


    lot that Jonny called Amelia by her first name.


    Amelia was rendered speechless. ''What... what''s wrong if he called me by my name?'' she thought,


    feeling bewildered.


    "Lucian, what are you trying to say?" Amelia asked, her voice soft and loving.


    The way Amelia called out Lucian''s name broke the tight knot in his heart. After such a long time, a


    smile finally made its way to his lips. "Never mind. It''s nothing," he said, shaking his head. "Perhaps


    I''ve just been worrying too much."


    Grabbing the remote, he turned off the television and went upstairs.


    Amelia was left in the living room, still feeling in a daze from what had just happened. ''What''s going


    on? I don''t understand what''s gotten into him...''


    Just the other night, Lucian got down on one knee and told her a lot of touching words. But now, he


    waspletely ignoring her.


    From the way Lucian acted towards Amelia so differently all of a sudden, it was inevitable that she


    would feel so mncholic.


    The next morning, Amelia woke up extra early so that she could make breakfast for Lucian. Upon


    walking out of her room, however, she saw that Lucian was already up and getting ready to leave. She


    hastily followed him. "Aren''t you going to rest today?" she asked.


    Lucian was already in his suit. It was obvious that he had some business to attend to.


    "I have to go to an event. Just go do whatever you want to do today," he said in a low but cool voice.


    Although she was upset, Amelia forced a smile.


    After Lucian left, Amelia cooked breakfast for herself. Lily had gone home to visit her family since


    Lucian had given her the day off. With no one else in the vi, Amelia started to feel lonely.


    By noon, Amelia received a message from Jonny. He said that he had something important to tell her.


    Amelia was a bit dazed at Jonny''s message ¡ª justst night, Lucian had asked her about her


    rtionship with Jonny. And now, here Jonny was, asking to meet up with her.


    ''Maybe I can talk about it with Jonny,'' Amelia thought. And so, she agreed to meet up with him.


    Jonny had told her to meet him at a fancy restaurant downtown. Since it was a holiday, she didn''t want


    to trouble Frank to drive her around and wait for her. So she drove out the car from the garage.


    Although she was still a little scared about driving, the route to the downtown was smooth, so she had


    nothing to worry about.


    Since it was a holiday, there were a lot of other cars out, causing heavy traffic. For about half an hour,


    Amelia was stuck in traffic. When she finally arrived at the restaurant, Jonny was already sitting at a


    table.


    "I''m sorry. There was a traffic jam on the way." Amelia walked over to him and said apologetically.


    "It''s fine," he said as he waved his hand. "Here, drink some water first."


    After taking a seat, Amelia gulped down the ss of water. She then looked at Jonny with a quizzical


    look on her face. "Jonny," she started, putting down the ss on the table, "do you have a bad


    rtionship with Lucian?


    I know from Nichs that you and Lucian grew up together. I assumed that you two were good


    friends."


    The smile on Jonny''s face disappeared. He did not expect that Amelia would ask such a direct


    question. For a few moments, Jonny just looked down on hisp. Then, he looked up at Amelia with a


    smile. "Have you had lunch?" he casually asked.


    "Well... no," Amelia admitted, "I drove here as soon as I got your message." On the table, there were


    already a number of dishes. It looked as if Jonny had already ordered. She couldn''t me him since it


    took so long for her to get here.


    "I apologize that I''ve already ordered some. Please take a look at the menu and order anything you


    like," Jonny apologized as he handed the menu to Amelia. "I know I should''ve waited for you to order,


    but I think I know you well enough to guess what you like."


    Amelia thought about what Jonny said. ''Maybe he thought that I wouldn''t be so keen to order anything


    expensive...


    Besides, since he had ordered so many dishes, there''s no need to order anything else.'' "It''s okay. I''m


    not fussy about food. This is enough," she said with a polite smile.


    The table was full of delicious looking food.


    ''Jeez. Are all rich people the same? Lucian also orders too much food when we eat outside...'' Amelia


    thought to herself. She felt a bit sad when she suddenly thought about Lucian.


    "If you say so. We''ll talk when you''re done eating," Jonny said. He picked up a piece of fish with his


    chopsticks and put it on her te.


    Amelia was a little embarrassed. "I can do it myself. Thanks," she said, her cheeks blushing.


    Although she was schoolmates with Jonny, she was already a married woman. It was a bit too intimate


    for him to serve her food like that.


    "Okay. Please just help yourself to whatever you want," Jonny smiled considerately.


    The restaurant had a pleasant atmosphere to it, and the dishes Jonny ordered suited Amelia''s taste


    well.


    "Let''s go to the coffee shop upstairs," Jonny proposed when Amelia had finished eating.


    "All right," Amelia agreed.


    This restaurant was especially famous in the city for its rxing ambiance and modern look. It also had


    a uniqueyout ¡ª on the first floor, where Jonny and Amelia currently were, they served world-ss


    Chinese food. After people ate there, they had the option to go to the second floor to enjoy a cup of


    coffee.


    It seemed that Jonny had already booked a table. As soon as they got there, the waiter guided them to


    a small room next to the window.

 Chapter 57 Feeling Jealous

    Chapter 57 Feeling Jealous


    "Well, we can just sit in the hall," Amelia murmured.


    "The lobby''s already full and we shouldn''t be hanging out there anyway." Jonny looked around the hall


    and found that it waspletely upied. Then he looked at Amelia and asked, "What do you think?"


    Amelia didn''t know what to say.


    "I just think it''s too expensive." She smiled awkwardly as she exined herself.


    "You''re such a cheapskate! How is Lucian going to spend his money then?" Jonny teased, his eyes


    gleaming in amusement.


    Embarrassed, Amelia lowered her head shyly.


    Since they just had lunch, Jonny ordered some orange juice for Amelia and tea for himself.


    "You seem to be distracted. Is there anything you want to tell me?" Jonny asked as he took a sip from


    his tea.


    "What about you? Over the phone, you said it was something important. What is it?" Amelia couldn''t


    restrain herself. She needed to know what was so important that Jonny had to invite her for lunch.


    "Weren''t you going to ask if Lucian and I are on good terms?" Jonny suddenly said. Then he added,


    "We used to get along but we grew apart. We''re just civil with each other now."


    Amelia blinked, still confused. She recalled that they were being teased as if they were brothers at


    Shelly''s birthday party. She didn''t know what went wrong since then.


    "What happened?" Amelia asked curiously.


    "It''s best if you don''t know," Jonny answered evasively. Then he posed, "How well do you know


    Lucian?"


    This left Amelia stunned. She thought for a while and couldn''t shake off the feeling that she really didn''t


    know him that well. She knew that he was 30 years old, how tall he was, that he was strong and noble


    but other than, she came up nk. She didn''t even know when his birthday was. She''d met the Zhan


    family and had been informed of the assets of the family. The Zhan family was the richest and most


    powerful in the city. Their assets were worth more than a billion.


    With a slight smile on her face, Amelia remained quiet. After a while, she asked, "Is this the reason why


    you won''t let me tell Lucian that we know each other?"


    If that was the case then things finally made sense including why Lucian seemed so upsetst night.


    "Not exactly, but I don''t want you breaking off your rtionship with Lucian just because of me," Jonny


    said, looking at Amelia tenderly.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    "Don''t worry. Lucian isn''t a narrow-minded," Amelia replied, smiling.


    Her mind went to the romantic night they spent during new year''s eve.


    "What if he is?" Jonny retorted, a stern look in his eyes.


    "Jonny, indeed we didn''t have emotional foundation. But since I married him, I have to step up the


    rtionship between us." While it was true that she didn''t know Lucian that well yet, she still knew him


    well enough to like him and be willing to put in the work for their rtionship.


    Jonny seemed briefly disappointed. Still, he put on a smile and said, "I''m happy for you."


    As much as he tried to sound happy, there was a tinge of pain and bitterness in his voice.


    Amelia smiled lightly. She didn''t want to think about it anymore.


    When they left the coffee shop, it was dark outside as if it was going to rain.


    Amelia was about to go back to the SJ Garden when she received a call from Lucian. She answered it


    in a hurry as a cold voice came from the other line, "Where are you?"


    He didn''t sound pleased as if he knew she wasn''t home.


    "I got bored at home so I went out for a walk. I''m already on my way home," Amelia answered


    nonchntly.


    "Okay." With that, Lucian hung up the call.


    Amelia suddenly panicked. She took a deep breath before starting the engine and driving home.


    It was exceptionally cloudy then. Dark clouds hovered above the busy city.


    Standing in front of the window, Lucian looked out of the darkness, growing more and more furious by


    the second.


    When he arrived home, he found that Amelia wasn''t there. Just as he was about to call her, he


    received a bunch of photos that showed Amelia and Jonny out having lunch together.


    He called her and tried to remain calm. He thought she''d just tell him the truth but she still lied.


    He already felt uneasy about seeing Jonny yesterday at the Imperial Middle School. What more that


    they secretly had lunch together?


    They had bumped into each other across the hall and by thekeside.


    Upon thinking of this, Lucian''s eyes dimmed. His eyes were sharp as knives while his fists were


    clenched in anger.


    It started to rain as soon as Amelia arrived at the gate of the SJ Garden.


    She parked the card in the garage, plunged her head into the rain, and then quickly ran into the vi.


    Amelia''s hair and clothes were wet because of the heavy rain.


    Just as she was about to head to the bedroom to change her clothes, she suddenly felt a strong force


    grab her. Suddenly, she was pulled into Lucian''s arms. He was so strong that she wasn''t able to resist.


    Before she could do anything, Lucian had already taken her into the room. She wasn''t able to rx


    until she''d been thrown to the bed.


    At this moment, Ameliapletely lost her mind. When she came to her senses, Lucian''s face was so


    close to her. He looked so cold and indifferent¡ªhis eyes were like a ck hole.


    Amelia was so nervous that her hands began to sweat. Her whole body was shaking.


    Her heart hurt with how Lucian was looking at her. She lowered her head guiltily, averting his cold gaze.


    "Are you afraid of being found out?" Lucian practically spat as he forcefully raised her chin. Amelia was


    immediately met with his re.


    Suddenly, tears began welling up in Amelia''s eyes.


    Lucian couldn''t handle it¡ªhe loosened his grip on her out of pity.


    What was he doing? All he wanted was to see her and he was treating her like this when she finally


    came back?


    Even if he was angry, he shouldn''t be taking it out on her.


    He had always been rational but for some reason, he seemed to lose all rationality when it came to


    Amelia.


    "Where did you go?" His cold voice echoed in the big room.


    Amelia bit her lower lip. Just as she was about to speak, ready to tell the truth, Lucian then added, "You


    don''t want to tell me because of Jonny, right?"


    Lucian''s words hit her like a truck, leaving her stunned.


    Where did thate from?


    While she knew from Jonny that they weren''t on good terms, she didn''t n on bringing it up lest he


    grow upset. Thest thing she expected was for him to bring it up himself.


    She wondered whether she should tell him that she was with Jonny or not.


    Shouldn''t two people in a rtionship be honest with each other?


    Amelia then took a deep breath and blurted out, "I had lunch with Jonny today. That''s where I was


    today when you called."


    She looked firm and fearless.


    Lucian shifted the expression on his face which did not go unnoticed by Amelia.


    The gloomy weather outside reflected the intensity between them right now. She didn''t know what to


    say next.


    "Amelia, I can''t believe this," Lucian said furiously¡ªhe was seething.


    She felt as if she''d been knocked over¡ªher heart was beating rapidly.


    "Lucian, Jonny and I just talked. It''s not what you think it is," Amelia exined anxiously with tears in


    her eyes.


    "It''s not what I think it is? And so what?" Lucian roared.


    Amelia felt trapped. She didn''t know what to do or say.


    He didn''t believe her. He thought she was lying.


    To add to this, Jonny had asked her to keep their friendship a secret which entrapped her even more.


    She thought if she tried to exin herself to Lucian, he might just think she''s lying.


    She was suddenly at a loss. She didn''t know what to say. She looked at Lucian, with tears in her eyes.


    "Stay away from Jonny. Consider this a warning." With that, Lucian released her and promptly left the


    room.


    Amelia''s jaw still hurt from Lucian''s grip. She rubbed it gently with her hand as tears streamed down


    her face.


    However, what hurt her the most was Lucian''s words.


    Things were going great between them. Now, it''s like they were back to where they started. If anything,


    Amelia felt farther from Lucian¡ªmore than ever.


    When dinner time came, Amelia took a deep breath to calm herself down. She then prepared to head


    downstairs intending to make dinner for Lucian. Lily lived far away from the city so Amelia asked her to


    take an additional two days off. She didn''t want to starve Lucian just because she wasn''t in the mood


    even though he was still mad at her.


    When she went downstairs, she didn''t find Lucian. She searched everywhere¡ªthe living room, dining


    room, his study¡ªbut he was nowhere to be found.

 Chapter 58 Ended Up With Acute Gastroenteritis

    Chapter 58 Ended Up With Acute Gastroenteritis


    Just as she was left wondering, her phone suddenly buzzed. It was a message from an unknown


    number. It read, "Amelia, don''t worry. Lucian''s with me."


    ''Amelia...'' For some reason, it sounded like Sasha.


    At that moment, Amelia felt as if she''d been punched right in the gut. Her heart twisted in pain as she


    felt her entire body go numb.


    Her hand was trembling as she held her phone. Standing alone in the room, she was at a loss.


    Suddenly, her stomach started grumbling¡ªshe was hungry already. Since Lucian wasn''t around, she


    wasn''t really in the mood to cook so she dragged herself upstairs to take a nap. She figured that was


    the only way to make herself feel better.


    She slept through the entire night.


    Initially, she thought she''d have a hard time falling asleep or she''d wake up around midnight. However,


    that wasn''t what happened¡ªshe ended up sleeping until dawn.


    Since the holidays were over, she had to go to work again. When she woke up, she washed her face


    and rinsed her mouth. Grabbing a bottle of milk and a piece of toast, she headed out.


    Although there was still some time before work, Amelia decided she didn''t want to drive the shy car


    Lucian had given her. She then intended to walk to the bus stop and just take a bus going to work.


    It rained the entirest night and that morning, the sky was grey and foggy. It was a cold winter morning


    so the roads were slippery.


    It was seven in the morning and it took almost half an hour to get to the bus stop. If she walked fast


    enough, she could get there in 20 minutes. The bus ride going to the Zhan Group only took about 10


    minutes.


    With that, she figured she still had enough time.


    Since she was going to work, she had no choice but to wear high heels. Even though the heels she


    wore weren''t that high, she still found it difficult to walk as she wasn''t used to wearing heels in the first


    ce.


    She lost her bnce all the way. It took her totally half an hour to get to the bus station. The moment


    she got on the bus, her restless mind gradually calmed down.


    Beads of sweat were starting to form on her forehead. When she sat on the bus, she immediately felt a


    sharp, shooting pain in her stomach.


    "Are you okay, miss?" the girl sitting next to her asked worriedly upon seeing the pained look on


    Amelia''s face.


    Amelia shook her head and said nothing.


    She tried her best to endure the pain throughout the whole ride. It wasn''t until she got off at the gate of


    the Zhan Group that she got on her knees from the pain.


    She knew this wasn''t car sickness as she didn''t really feel like vomiting. It was just a sharp, shooting


    pain in her stomach.


    She still had about ten minutes left before she work so she took a deep breath and forced herself to


    stand up. Then she slowly walked towards the gate.


    Luckily, most of the employees had already arrived about half an hour earlier as they usually did. This


    meant that she didn''t have to pretend to be fine as she didn''t run into anyone.


    Trying not to bete for work, she then headed inside the building. She felt better as soon as she got


    into the elevator however the pain still hadn''tpletely subsided yet.


    As the elevator went up, she pinched her palm in an attempt to reduce the pain.


    She was starting to get soaked in her sweat and her body simultaneously felt cold and hot at the same


    time.


    As soon as she arrived on her floor, she quickly ran into the office.


    She was in such a hurry that she had forgotten to knock on the door beforeing in. As soon as she


    pushed the door open, she froze, momentarily forgetting about her stomach pain.


    Lucian and Sasha were standing in front of each other. They weren''t doing anything but they were


    standing rather closely to each other.


    They turned their heads at the same time to look at Amelia. They had this same look on their faces¡ªas


    if they''d just seen a ghost.


    Amelia was a little embarrassed but she wasn''t feeling well so she just didn''t say anything.


    She looked at Lucian who was dressed in a crisp suit, looking elegant as ever.


    "Amelia, I thought... I thought you weren''ting to work today," Sasha said, a surprised look on her


    face. She had walked towards Amelia and took her hand, smiling.


    Amelia smiled weakly and pointed to her seat. "I''ll just sit down."


    When she spoke, her voice was soft. She was too weak to raise her voice.


    Sasha then froze. The shift on Amelia''s face wasn''t lost on her. She asked, "Why are you sweating so


    much, Amelia?"


    It was winter and she was sweating buckets. It just didn''t make sense.


    Amelia wiped the sweat on her face and smiled apologetically. "I was runningte so I ran all the way


    here,"


    she said lightly, still enduring the pain.


    Since she came in, Lucian remained silent. He looked as cold as ever which led Amelia to conclude


    that he was still mad at her.


    While Amelia knew that Sasha was Lucian''s ex-girlfriend, she still couldn''t stop herself from being


    jealous of them.


    Lucian raised his head when Amelia spoke. He noticed that she''d been covering her stomach this


    entire time and she was sweating like a pig.


    Suddenly, he walked towards her and immediately noticed how pale her face was and how she was


    biting her lip as if she was trying to cope with something. He frowned and asked anxiously, "Is there


    anything wrong with you?"


    Needless to say, Amelia was moved by the concern Lucian showed her despite the coldness in his


    voice.


    Tears ran down her cheeks.


    She didn''t nod or shake her head. Instead, immobilized by the pain, she started crying.


    "I''ll take you to the hospital." Lucian lifted her up to bring her to infirmary.


    Before she could even realize what was happening, they''d already arrived at the infirmary and the


    doctor was already examining her.


    After which, the doctor diagnosed her with acute gastroenteritis.


    With that, Lucian turned to re at her. She could feel his eyes digging into her head. Out of fear, she


    kept her head lowered not wanting to meet his cold gaze.


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    Last time, she had been diagnosed with gastroenteritis and Lucian was so worried about her then.


    Feeling aggrieved, all she wanted to do was cry now.


    The previous night, Lucian hadn''te home so Amelia wasn''t able to have dinner. That morning, she


    grabbed a bottle of milk and a piece of toast on her way out which meant that she ate her breakfast


    while she was walking. This was what probably caused her stomach ache.


    Every time she had an indigestion, she wouldn''t treat it seriously. She''d just let it be and hope that the


    pain would go away.


    "What can be done about this?" Lucian asked coldly as he nced at Amelia.


    "She should develop regr eating habits to improve her condition. If she doesn''t eat regrly, it''ll only


    get worse," the doctor exined.


    Lucian''s eyes suddenly dimmed. He then asked Amelia, "Didn''t you have dinnerst night?"


    Well, he guessed it right.


    Amelia''s face sank. When she thought of the message that Sasha sent herst night, she just wanted


    to hide so she wouldn''t have to answer Lucian''s question.


    She didn''t think she had to answer him anyway. If he really cared about her, he would have gone home


    last night. He wouldn''t have left her hanging like that just because he was mad at her.


    Even though they weren''t in an official rtionship yet, they were still married. Before he made that


    emotional confession to her, she didn''t care if he went home or not. However, after he did, he


    immediately went back to his usual cold self. Who wouldn''t be hurt by that?


    Lucian didn''t know what to say. He just decided to let it go as he pulled her into his arms.


    Amelia was relieved as soon as she felt Lucian''s arms wrap around her.


    Sasha tried to follow them to the infirmary but Lucian stopped her.


    Only she and Lucian were at the infirmary now.


    "Is it still painful?" Still frowning, Lucian handed her a cup of hot water.


    She looked at him as she took the cup from him. "Thank you," she said dryly.


    Upon hearing this, Lucian seemed visibly dejected. It was as if Amelia thanking her meant an entirely


    different thing to him.


    If she didn''t have acute gastroenteritis, would he have still treated her the same?


    Amelia didn''t think much about it. She stood up and said with a smile, "I''m fine. I can go to work now." It


    was still work hours and she didn''t want to dy her work or Lucian''s work.


    "No, I''ll bring you home." He held her hands and looked at her warmly.


    Under his intense gaze, Amelia flushed. She lowered her head and shook her head. "I feel much better


    now since I already took the meds."


    He then stood up and proceeded to carry her in his arms.


    "I..." Just as Amelia was about to protest, Lucian shot her a look that made her shut up.


    When they returned to his office, Lucian continued to carry Amelia into his lounge.


    Amelia''s face turned white with fear. She sat up from the bed, still protesting and insisting that she was


    feeling much better.


    Without answering her, he pressed her back on the bed and covered her with the quilt. Then he said in


    a calm voice, "If you want to help me, just behave."


    With that, Amelia remained quiet.


    There was also a part of her that was a bit scared of Lucian so she just followed what he said.


    As Amelia watched him walk off, she felt as if her heart was empty. She was feeling so many things


    and she couldn''t voice any of them out.

 Chapter 59 Having Everything You Want

    Chapter 59 Having Everything You Want


    In the whole morning, Amelia was in deep sleep. Due to stomach ache, she curled up in bed like a poor


    kitten hoping it would lessen her pain.


    During this period, Lucian worriedly came in and checked her twice. When he was assured that she


    was asleep, he regained hisposure and went on with his work.


    When she woke up, the sun was already setting down. Slowly, she sat up from the bed andid her


    eyes out of the misty window. No wonder why she could rest soundly. This kind of weather made


    people feel sleepy.


    Carefully, she got up from bed and stood behind the door, pricking up her ears to hear the sound


    outside. After confirming that there was no sound, she pulled the door handle cautiously. She wanted to


    leave a gap to see if Lucian was in the office.


    "Knock knock..." The moment she opened the door, suddenly there was a knock on the door of the


    CEO¡¯s office. Startled by the knock, she closed the door immediately.


    Then Eric, Lucian''s assistant, came in and went out after he briefed the work.


    She was so nervous, her heart was pounding heavily.


    At that moment, she was hesitating whether she should go out and face her husband. Suddenly, she


    heard the door knob turned. In that instant, she anxiously climbed to the bed pretending that she was


    still asleep.


    As Lucian entered, he moved quietly while Amelia¡¯s eyes were closed tightly. She held her breath,


    interested to know what he was doing.


    All of a sudden, a faint fragrance of mint surrounded her nose, she felt a warm breath in front of her.


    In an instant, her heart was irregrly beating. After holding breath for a long time, she could not


    handle it anymore and took a big breath.


    "Stop pretending. Wake up." His voice was like a basin of cold water that poured upon her face.


    Instantly, her eyes wide opened. Fear was reflected in her eyes. She was about to get up when she


    noticed that his face was so close to hers. Anxiousness took over her body that she dared not to


    breathe.


    "Why are you so scared to see me? Scared of you own husband?" His voice was cold and full of irony.


    After asking her, he left the bed.


    Then she got up from bed. The room was air-conditioned, so she could not feel the coldness in her


    body even without a coat.


    After she put on a coat, she attentively observed the expression on her husband¡¯s face. She noticed


    that his aura hadn¡¯t changed, he still looked cold and difficult to approach.


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    "If you want to say something then say it." From the corner of his eye, he sensed that she was staring


    at him. Without lifting his head, he asked her.


    "Well... I... It¡¯s... I would just like to say that it¡¯s time to get off work." She didn¡¯t mean any of that, but


    she spoke in a more certain way.


    After checking his watch, he said coldly, "I¡¯ll just ask Frank to send you home. I¡¯m not going home


    tonight."


    He¡¯s not going home... At the thought of it, her heart was slowly breaking into pieces. ¡®Will he go to


    Sasha¡¯s home tonight?¡¯ she thought.


    With an expression of despair, she didn¡¯t had the courage to ask questions.


    Gazing at the ring on her hand, she began to question herself if the romantic scene of that night was


    only just a dream.


    The ring in her finger was real. She checked her neck. The pendant was still the ring that Lucian gave


    her. That romantic scene was not just a dream, it was part of her reality.


    However, she strongly felt the difference of the man that gave her the ring from the man in front of her.


    It felt like they were totally different persons.


    "Are you working overtime tonight? I can wait for you," she replied enthusiastically after she took a


    deep breath and calmed herself.


    Finally, he raised his head. He nced at her and replied in a very cold tone, "No, I do not have to work


    overtime tonight."


    Since he did not have to work overtime, what else could he possibly do?


    She murmured with confusion in her heart and remained frozen for a while.


    With his eyebrows frowned, he could not help saying, "You do not have the habit to tell what you are


    doing every time you go, are you seriously expecting me to tell you what I would do?"


    His underlying meaning was filled with sarcasm.


    As clear as a ss, she understood what he meant. She just smiled bitterly and nodded. "I understand.


    I¡¯ll be going now."


    Being sensible enough, she hurriedly took her bag and walked out of the office.


    As the door was closed, the light in Lucian¡¯s eyes faded. He held his pen and cut the white paper.


    The minute she left the office, she inclined toward the staircase and gasped for breath. In order to


    avoid being seen by her colleagues, she chose to take the stairs. As she went down one of the stairs,


    she heard an employee said in a discouraged voice, "Look at Sasha''s bare dress. Her cleavage and


    legs are clearly exposed in the winter. Who does she want to seduce?"


    Another female resounded in a somewhat angry tone, "She lured our CEO despite the fact that she


    realized he has a spouse. I heard that she came to the Zhan Group for an interview and passed it."


    "In spite of the fact that I don''t think a lot about Mrs. Amelia, I heard she generally keeps a low profile. I


    guess she is a decent tempereddy."


    "I heard that Sasha used to be an outgoing person. She really knows how to satisfy men. Do you


    believe that our CEO would fall into her snare?"


    "Keep your voice down. If other employees heard this, we will be terminated!"


    "Who do you think would walk on stairs?"


    The two female didn''t notice Amelia at all. They continued to walk down the stairs while talking.


    After hearing those words, Amelia stood there and dazed for a long time. She was lost in her thoughts


    until her cellphone buzzed.


    It was Frank. He was assigned to send her home.


    Actually she was about to grab a taxi home, Frank blocked her and said, "Boss assigned me to send


    you home."


    The way he talked to her was full of authority. It would be hard to decline him, she needed to do as


    what he said.


    When she walked out of the building, Frank was standing next to his car, waiting for her presence. She


    quickly sat inside his car, then she discovered that several female employees were whispering to each


    other while pointing at the cars.


    From the start, she disliked to be so high-profile so she seldom went to work by Lucian¡¯s car. Although


    her rtionship with him was well known in the Zhan Group, she only worked for him and rarely got in


    touch with other employees from other departments. Naturally, she did notmunicated with others.


    As the center point of the Zhan Group, Lucian took over the wholepany. Employees were usually


    curious about him. In addition, he was young and promising, which others described to be perfect. As a


    matter of fact, female colleagues were naturally attracted to him.


    They thought that their boss deeply cared about his wife, so they had a private discussion about it.


    They thought that she must have a unique and promising charm that attracted the attention of Lucian.


    "Mrs. Amelia, are you okay? Did you have a fight with Mr. Lucian?" on their way back to the SJ Garden,


    Franked asked her while driving.


    At the mention of his name, her heart trembled. She nced at Frank in wonder.


    "Mr. Lucian drank a lotst night. I was about to send him home but he decided to stay in the hotel. So I


    apanied him to the hotel then drove him back to thepany early in the morning." Franked filled


    the puzzle in Amelia''s mind on what happenedst night.


    The message she received from Sasha ran into her mind, she curiously asked, "Who was with himst


    night? Was it Miss Sasha?"


    In her mind, Sasha was Lucian¡¯s girlfriend. She thought that it was normal for them to be together.


    Even the thought of it made her upset.


    "What do you mean? Miss Sasha?" Frank frowned. After spending a while of contemtion, he


    exined, "Miss Sasha came for an interview in thepany this morning. Mr. Lucian was not with her


    last night."


    Then what was Sasha''s purpose in sending her that message? She even stated that Lucian was with


    her.


    After returning to the SJ Garden, she got more rxed after Frank confirmed that her husband was not


    with Sasha. She had to admit to herself that after reading the message from Sasha, her mind and


    emotions were overwhelmed with resentment. She even thought of Lucian as a yboy who just


    confessed his love to her in the New Year''s Eve. Then in the next day, he was together flirting with his


    ex-girlfriend.


    Knowing it was just a misunderstanding, a curve formed on her lips, then she went to the kitchen to


    make dinner. She would still eat even if her husband was noting home. Otherwise, she would


    suffer from stomach ache.


    Wasting food is something that she didn''t like, so she only prepared the dinner for herself. However, as


    soon as the dishes were on the table, Lucian surprisingly came back.


    At that moment she was about to have the meal, she thought that she had an imagination and winked


    her eyes hard. When she was about to confirm it, he had already came to the table. He stared at the


    dishes on the table and then joked around, "Does Mrs. Amelia only do herself like this when she''s


    alone?"


    Hearing the things he said, she blushed immediately. She dropped the chopsticks and turned to look at


    him. There was an unreadable look in her eyes, but she was happy because her husband came back.


    "I''m going to cook some other dishes." As his wife, she should cook something to serve him.


    ncing at the simple dishes served on the table, a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.


    ''This is what I called home, isn''t it?'' he thought to himself.


    She liked vegetable, so she only prepared a simple vegetable dish. When he came back, she took the


    meat out of the fridge, cleaned it and cut it to prepare. With these ingredients, she nned to make


    some simple home cooking and then cook a soup. In this way, there would be enough dishes for the


    both of them.


    Ever since she graduated from college, she had been living alone. Every day after work, she cooked by


    herself so there was no doubt that she was skilled at cooking. Even the simple home cooking tasted


    like they were from fancy restaurants that made the mouth watery.


    Shortly after she left, he couldn''t contain himself. Purposely, he didn''t drive home until he was ensured


    that Frank already sent her home.


    Actually, he was a little mad with her. For this reason, he lost his temper deliberately in front of her just


    because he treasured her so much.


    The memory was still very clear in his mind, he could still remember what happened. Ten years ago,


    Jonny and him were close friends, but they had a fight over one thing. Although it had been so many


    years, it had always been an interference in their hearts.


    Therefore, the moment he saw her in the same picture with Jonny, he lost his head and med her.


    When he calmed down, he felt sincerely sorry for his misconduct, especially when he saw her pale


    face.


    "I know you''re used to eating big meat, but I only made a slice of meat for you tonight. I hope that it''s


    fine with you. Have it a try." She sat down and exined to him.


    Looking at the three simple dishes on the table, he finally showed a pleasant smile. "I have no doubt


    about your cooking. Let''s enjoy the meal that my wife has prepared."


    She was astonished. Looking at the man with confusion and happiness radiated in her eyes.


    That was apliment for her excellent cooking! She was like eating a candy, her heart filled with


    sweetness.

 Chapter 60 Sleeping On The Same Bed

    Chapter 60 Sleeping On The Same Bed


    Lucian volunteered to wash the dishes after dinner. Amelia stared at Lucian with unblinking eyes as


    she wondered if her ears were ying tricks on her. She squinted slightly as she asked Lucian, "What


    did you say just now?" Her words came out slow and soft as if she herself was unsure if she should


    confirm what she thought she heard.


    Her curious eyes were as clear as a child''s as she stared straight at Lucian who slowly turned towards


    her with a yful smile.


    Lucian then stared steadily into her eyes and said clearly and softly, "The food you cooked were


    absolutely delicious. As a reward and thanks, please allow me to wash the dishes for you."


    Amelia was unfamiliar to the sudden courtesy that Lucian expressed. But she knew him very well. So


    she decided to say nothing and silently walked out of the kitchen but stood at the doorway as a mute


    observer.


    Lucian felt uneasy as Amelia''s stare burned a hole at his back while he prepared to wash the dishes.


    So he turned to her and said, "If you''re thinking of what to do while I wash the dishes, you can clean


    the living room or make a pot of tea for me."


    His voice was gentle, but had an unmistakablemanding tone to it.


    Amelia nodded and immediately went to the living room. She intended to clean it as he suggested. But


    as soon as she touched a newspaper on the center table, she was startled by a loud crashing sound


    that came from the kitchen. A bowl broke into a thousand tiny pieces as it fell to the floor.


    Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Lucian never had to wash the dishes.


    She hurried to the kitchen and saw him squatting down as he picked up the broken pieces of the


    unfortunate bowl on the floor.


    Lucian raised his head and turned towards the doorway of the kitchen and saw her approaching. He


    was about to stop her, but Amelia was immediately down with her hand on the porcin shards


    scattered all around the kitchen floor and was about to start picking them up.


    "What?" Their awkward movements caused them to bump into each other by ident that caused


    Amelia to cut her finger on the sharp edge of one of the porcin pieces that she reached for when she


    went down to help.


    The wound on her finger bled immediately. Lucian instantly pulled her hand towards him and quickly


    ced her wounded finger into his mouth and sucked on the bleeding wound.


    This simple act of kindness made Amelia''s heart beat faster. She stared at Lucian''s face in a daze,


    unaware of the involuntary smile that had spread over her lovely lips.


    "Sorry, I didn''t mean it." He frowned and looked at her with a guilty look while he continued to suck at


    her wounded finger.


    Amelia was fully aware that he never meant for it to happen. She reached out her hand herself rashly,


    shook her head and then said with a smile, "You have never washed dishes before in your entire life,


    have you?"


    Lucian rxed a little when he noticed that she was still in the mood for humor despite what happened.


    He exined reluctantly, "I used too much detergent. Thus, my hands became too slippery and one of


    the bowls slipped and fell to the floor."


    Amelia nodded in agreement after she listened to his exnation. She then replied back to him with a


    smile, "I broke many bowls when I washed dishes for my mother in the past. I didn''t know how many


    bowls I''d broken, so I secretly hid them in case my mother found out and scolded me."


    Talking about these small details from her childhood made Amelia smile like a child. Her childish smile


    made her look even more beautiful.


    She made light fun of him, and the embarrassment in his heart over what happened quickly melted


    away.


    After cleaning the porcin fragments in the kitchen, Lucian went to the medicine cab and took out


    some first aid supplies and then bandaged Amelia''s wounded hand. He then turned the TV on and told


    her to watch for a while. He then went upstairs to deal with some documents as Amelia rxed herself


    in front of the TV.


    Amelia felt nervous and happy at the same time when she noticed the drastic change in Lucian''s


    attitude towards her.


    About ten minutester, Lucian came down and went to the living room with an envelope in his hand.


    He handed the envelope to Amelia and asked her to open it.


    Lucian had a mysterious look on him that confused Amelia. She wondered what game he was ying


    as she epted the envelope from Lucian. She stared puzzled at the envelope and then slowly back at


    Lucian.


    She nervously opened the envelope and carefully undid the p that kept the envelope closed. She


    found a piece of paper inside; neatly folded. She gently took out the paper as if it was the most fragile


    thing in the world. When she unfolded the paper, she was surprised by the elegant handwriting on the


    paper.


    The message on the paper read ''Honey, please forgive me for being irrational and intolerant.''


    Amelia was so moved by the message on the piece of paper in her hand that her face blushed as she


    felt warm blood rushing into her cheeks. Her eyes then became misty and warm as her vision started to


    look as if she was underwater.


    She never expected Lucian to apologize to her. The thought of the cold and domineering Lucian


    apologizing was something that never urred to her even in her wildest imagination.


    Amelia was so moved by the message that she was unable to speak for a long time. Tears welled up in


    her eyes that she wasn''t able to stop from falling down. Lucian became anxious at the sight of Amelia''s


    tears and he immediately asked, "Is there something wrong?"


    Lucian, apparently, could not bear the sight of her crying. He struggled to get a handkerchief out with a


    shaking hand to wipe away her tears.


    Amelia shook her head as a response to Lucian''s question. At the same time, Lucian held forward a


    handkerchief to wipe away her tears for her. She did nothing to stop him.


    Unbeknownst to him, she was crying tears of joy. And the unexpectedness of the message made the


    situation even more emotionally unbearable for her.


    "Actually, on the way home, I criticized myself because I felt that I did something wrong. It is natural for


    you to misunderstand and be upset with me. It only means that you care about me." She was


    about to cry even more as she spoke in a quivering voice. She then took several deep breaths to calm


    herself down.


    Lucian continued wiping her tears for her as he quietly listened to everything that she said. He then


    held her tightly in his arms without saying anything.


    They remained in that position for a long time and never felt the passage of time. In this big house,


    where there''s only two of them, the atmosphere was peaceful and calm.


    She felt so safe wrapped in his strong arms that she eventually fell asleep like azy cat.


    When Amelia woke up, she was already on the bed. There was a deep silence that filled the room.


    Darkness filled her eyes. She moved slightly to one direction of the bed and someone reached out to


    protect her, afraid that she would fall off the bed.


    She could feel the strength of Lucian''s grip and arm even in the dark, and it made her feel protected,


    but... She suddenly froze at the thought that Lucian was lying next to her on the same bed!


    Her heart suddenly thumped faster and it brought her back to full wakefulness. She shivered at the


    thought that he was lying beside her and she was about to get up from the bed to get away as quickly


    as possible. But before she could move, powerful arms grabbed her and quickly pushed her down with


    the weight of a muscr body keeping her pinned. She suddenly felt imprisoned and helpless.


    "If you keep moving, you will regret it." Lucian''s voice was low and sinister, like the whisper of a specter


    in the darkest night.


    Amelia did not dare move. Her eyes were wide open with shock and horror as she tried desperately to


    adjust her eyes to the darkness.


    Although she was fully aware that she was now Lucian''s wife, she had never thought of sleeping with


    him in the same bed.


    But she was aware of Lucian''s threat just now. She wondered if she moved just a little would it get her


    into trouble with Lucian and how much trouble would she be getting herself into?


    She felt very ufortable buried in Lucian''s chest. Her heart was beating fast as she struggled to


    breathe. The weight on top of her made her feel like she was getting suffocated and was dying.


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    "Amelia, we are a couple. You don''t have to be so nervous." A muffled, low voice broke the silence in


    the room. The huskiness in the voice was particrly attractive against the darkness that filled the


    room and despite the terror that gripped Amelia''s heart. Lucian finally decided to move his body out of


    his position on top of Amelia.


    ''She know we''re married for some time now, but she... Maybe she just need some time to get used to


    living her life as my wife,'' Lucian thought to himself to banish his frustration. He breathed deeply as he


    nodded slightly to himself.


    Amelia screamed within her heart. She held her body tightly in her hands and arms as her heart


    pounded non-stop. She wondered whether she should turn the light on and sleep in the next room, or


    sleep with him tonight.


    "Go to sleep. I will not do anything to you," Lucian said in a soft and gentle voice after he tucked her in.


    Amelia''s fear waspletely dispelled after she heard the words of Lucian. Lucian was like a mind


    reader. He was so intuitive that he could tell what she was so worried about without hearing her say


    anything.


    "I''m sorry, I... I just need some time to get used to it." She held the quilt tightly with both hands as she


    exined nervously and shyly to Lucian.


    "Okay, I know. Now go to sleep." he spoke to her in a pleasant and soothing voice as he caressed her


    smooth cheeks with the back of his hand.


    His voice made her feelfortable regardless of the negative experience that she had mere moments


    before. It was like the melody of a low thunder mixed with the sound of rain in the middle of a summer


    night.


    It turned out to be a sleepless night. When she woke up, she found that Lucian was already up. The


    thought of being embarrassed at seeing each other because of what happenedst night worried her.


    She washed her face and changed into a professional-looking uniform. When she went downstairs,


    Lucian was reading a newspaper in his hand. He stood up as he saw here down the stairs. He


    quietly walked towards her and moved his lips close to her ears. His fluid movement brought a slight


    shiver to her. "Did you sleep wellst night?" he asked in a soft voice that warmed her.


    His greeting made Amelia blush. She shyly lowered her head towards him and nodded.


    "I have prepared breakfast. Let''s have breakfast together," Lucian''s enthusiastic voice dered to her.


    She turned towards the table as she heard him. She was stunned to see that breakfast was indeed


    prepared and seemed to be merely waiting for her.


    She felt like it was all a dream. Like she was still asleep and was having a very pleasant dream where


    she woke up, washed her face and came down the stairs to a breakfast prepared for her by her


    husband, Lucian.


    She then wondered if this man who had been so gentle to her was truly Lucian.


    The breakfast was very simple. Buting from Lucian, who rarely cooked, it was a precious treat for


    her.


    He even considerately peeled eggs for her as she watched. He then asked her to eat more of the


    porridge, that it was good for her.


    Amelia took the egg from Lucian with a slight smile and stared affectionately at Lucian after hearing his


    words of concern. She felt an indescribable feeling of warmth in her heart.


    "Is there anything on my face?" Lucian asked, feeling a little uneasy from Amelia''s smiling stare. He


    reflexively touched his face to check if there was anything there that Amelia was smiling at.


    Amelia lowered her eyes in embarrassment and shook her head immediately in reply to Lucian''s


    question. She felt excited after staring at Lucian and even more at his flustered look as he tried to


    check his face for anything that should not be there.


    Whenever she dined with such a handsome man, she not only enjoyed the taste of the food, but also


    enjoyed the visual pleasure brought by herpany. Visual and auditory pleasure since his voice was


    always so pleasant to listen to.


    Amelia was convinced that if they stayed together for a long time, she would also live a long and


    healthy life.


    She was amused at the thought that sheughed lightly to herself.


    Lucian noticed the subtle changes on her face. But she didn''t notice that Lucian was staring at her.


    When he saw the happy expression on her face, he immediately took the opportunity to tease her, "I


    know you''re a fan of your husband."


    The man on the other side of the table squinted at her. His tone was so calm that she felt like he had


    figured out all of her little tricks.


    His stoic stare made Amelia a little ufortable and excited at the same time. She didn''t realize that


    her face had steadily turned red.


    She admitted to herself that Lucian was a charming man who looked good no matter what clothes he


    wore. His expression and voice had always captivated her and his choice of words whenever he spoke


    invoked images in her mind that made her wonder how she was able to stop herself from being


    attracted by her husband.


    "Yes, I am a huge fan of my husband. And I think that it will be a great honor to take him out sometime."


    It was clear to her that he was thinking of other ns for her. His squinting eyes and impish grin were


    proof of it. She then started to wonder what would happen if she simply told him everything that was on


    her mind and made him happy.


    Lucian rolled his eyes at Amelia with a boyish smile when he heard her response. He wanted to show


    that he was not buying Amelia''s response. "I already know that everybody agrees that I am


    handsome," he replied back at Amelia confidently.


    ''Tsk, tsk, since when did he be so self-infatuated and shameless?''


    Amelia cursed in her heart as she grinned from ear to ear. She felt powerless to refute and felt that it


    would be better to just let it pass. It was true, though, that Lucian was so handsome.


    The good vibe during their breakfast extended to the Zhan Group''s offices. Lucian told Amelia that


    there would be a meeting that would take up their entire day as they walked side by side from the lobby


    and into one of the empty elevators that waited for them. He wanted her to help him with the


    documents during the meeting. She smiled back at him but said nothing, indicating that she was happy


    to apany him during the meeting.


    ''It''s an internal meeting. It would be pointless for an assistant to attend,'' Amelia thought to herself.


    As if he read her mind, Lucian exined to her calmly, "As the wife of the CEO of the Zhan Group, you


    should learn more about thepany and what makes it tick. This way, you can help me with business


    in the future."


    Lucian''s words surprised Amelia even more than the idea that he might''ve read her mind. She nced


    towards Lucian and basked in the mature radiance that he emanated in his well-tailored suit as they


    went out of the elevator.


    When they reached his office, he immediately went through several documents on his desk as Amelia


    watched briefly. His aura was charming and extremely irresistible as his slender fingers flipped through


    the documents.

 Chapter 61 Sasha Got Injured

    Chapter 61 Sasha Got Injured


    How could she, an ordinary girl, meet such a handsome and exquisite man?


    At 9 o''clock in the morning, Amelia entered the meeting room, following Lucian. When they entered, the


    representatives of all departments had already sat down. Everyone curiously looked at Amelia. Maybe


    it was because that they couldn''t discuss anything without being too obvious about it. Even if they were


    confused, everyone tried to calm down and waited for the meeting to start.


    Therge meeting room was full of Lucian''s colleagues, which made Amelia so nervous that her


    eyebrows twitched.


    She bowed her head and followed Lucian. She kept her head down until Lucian took his seat.


    She was too nervous to hear that Lucian had gently asked her to sit down.


    "Mrs. Amelia, Mr. Lucian asked you to take a seat," reminded Eric, Lucian''s assistant.


    "Uh..." Amelia replied, her face hot from blushing.


    Everyone''s focus was on her, and her slow reaction was apparent to everyone in the room. They must


    have thought that the CEO of the Zhan Group married a dull woman.


    Before the meeting began, Lucianforted her and told her not to be nervous. She managed to calm


    her nerves and adjusted herself.


    The atmosphere was quiet and even though Lucian had spoken in a low voice, his voice echoed in the


    room and everyone clearly heard him.


    Amelia nodded sluggishly, her face still burning as if she were a student attending her first of school


    and was unustomed to a new environment.


    "Give me the file," Lucian spoke to her, his voice low.


    Amelia was alert this time and heard him immediately. She took the stack ofpiled documents and


    handed it over to him.


    Lucian looked deeply at her, joy filled his eyes.


    Amelia smiled and lowered her head. Though her nerves had calmed down, she was still tense.


    Amelia''s nerves had definitely gotten the better of her since she didn''t even notice that Sasha had been


    staring daggers at her the entire time. Her eyes were carefully following her every move.


    In the middle of the meeting, Eric suddenly stood up and Amelia shot him a serious look. He was


    pouring tea for everyone.


    As soon as she realized that she was supposed to be assisting Lucian, she hastily walked over to Eric


    and whispered, "Let me do it."


    Eric needed to y the PowerPoint slidester, so he couldn''t let these matters affect or concern him.


    Eric''s face showed embarrassment, but warned Amelia to be careful when handling the tea reminding


    her that it was hot.


    The news about Lucian''s marriage spread all over the city, so from the first day she came to Zhan


    Group, everyone in thepany already knew who she was. Many would salute her when they


    bumped into her. Not much information was known about Amelia, so there weren''t as many negative


    comments either.


    "Thank you, Mrs. Amelia." One of the employees felt ttered as he thanked her. It seemed that no one


    had expected that Amelia would be pouring tea for them in person.


    In order not to influence the meeting, she shook her head and made a ''shh'' sound. She continued to


    pour tea for the others with a calm smile on her face.


    The Sales Manager was in the midst of reporting the quarterly results when Lucian''s mind cleared up


    just enough for him to catch notice of Amelia pouring tea for the staff. The surprised look on his face


    quickly turned into a faint smile as he watched on.


    Sasha, who had been staring at Lucian the whole time, noticed this and fueled her jealousy and the


    fury in her heart grew stronger.


    At first, she thought that the marriage between Lucian and Amelia was only a formality. But now, it


    seemed that he really cared about her.


    She tried her best to stay close to Lucian and came to the Zhan Group by lowering herself to get


    Lucian''s heart. She would never allow him to fall in love with Amelia.


    If Amelia didn''t pour tea for everyone, she wouldn''t have noticed that Sasha was also present in the


    meeting room.


    Sasha had a good figure. After dressing in corporate dress, she looked much more feminine. Although


    it was cold outside, but she still wore a short skirt and silk stockings, V-neck chiffon blouse, and a small


    ck zer to tie in the look. Her curly, chestnut hair was worn up, showing off an eye-catching


    tinum ne on her fair neck. With stunning makeup, she lowered her head to read the


    documents, but her body was glowing with the tinum ne. And as a result, she looked


    exquisite.


    Amelia took a mug and was about to pour some tea into Sasha''s, but to her surprise, Sasha took the


    cup and gave her a friendly smile, bowing to her and expressing her gratitude in a low voice.


    Amelia tried her best to stay quiet. She shook her head with a smile, and pointed at Sasha''s cup with


    her finger. She meant to get some tea for Sasha instead.


    With a friendly smile, Sasha handed the mug to Amelia.


    Even though Amelia had many questions about the message from Sasha, she knew that it was not the


    time to be thinking about this. She focused on her work and carefully poured the tea, making sure not


    to spill a single drop.


    "Amelia, Lucian said he would only love me in his life." When Amelia bent over, Sasha took the chance


    to whisper to her with a very obvious smile across her face.


    This statement erased the smile on Amelia''s, leaving her with a bemused look.


    "Ah!" Her scream broke the serious and quiet atmosphere of the meeting room.


    Everyone around Sasha rushed over to her and held her hands, asking if she was alright.


    If it wasn''t for Sasha''s sharp statement, Amelia would have been lost in thought.


    "Amelia, I thought you were going to pour me some tea, but you scalded the back of my hand instead!"


    Sasha used, holding her scalded hand up.


    It was only then that Amelia realized that she had scalded Sasha''s hand because of her distraction.


    Frightened, she ced the kettle down, walked over to her, and apologized, "I''m sorry. It wasn''t on


    purpose..."


    She didn''t mean it. If she hadn''t heard what Sasha had said, she wouldn''t have been so absent-minded


    and this incident could have been avoided.


    But now it was not the time to find an excuse for herself. Besides, Sasha''s hand was indeed scalded by


    the hot tea she poured.


    At that moment, Lucian walked up to them and said coldly, "This meeting is temporarily over. Eric,


    please take Miss Sasha to the infirmary."


    Because of Lucian''s quick and well-organized instructions, the discussions immediately halted and the


    onlookers exited the meeting room.


    Like an abrupt storm, Amelia had not yet felt the coldness of the wind. The wind was far from her, and


    only a lingering fear remained.


    She looked at Lucian from across the table. Her hands were crossed nervously and she was


    speechless for a moment.


    Lucian didn''t say anything, his face in a sulk, which made Amelia more worried.


    "Come here," after a pause, Lucian spoke, his words cold and powerful.


    Amelia was stunned for a moment, and then proceeded to walk towards him. With her head buried


    deep, she pretended to be obedient as if she had done something wrong with her face full of guilt.


    "I didn''t mean it." She pouted and said with an aggrieved tone.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Of course, Lucian knew that she didn''t mean it. He could clearly see that Sasha had whispered


    something to her, which had shocked her.


    "I know that you didn''t do it on purpose, so what''s with the frown? Sit down." Lucian pointed at his


    knees and spoke to her lightly with a gentle look in his eyes.


    Amelia had thought that Lucian would be angry with her and criticize her for doing such a minor task


    wrong. But she didn''t expect that he would ask her to sit on hisp with a gentle tone.


    Her shocked appearance resembled a little girl who was ignorant of worldly affairs and asked


    somebody to look at her with pity. People could not help trying to protect her.


    Seeing that she didn''t even flinch, Lucian took the initiative. He held her slender waist and pulled her


    into his arms.


    It seemed like a dream for Amelia. She turned around and hugged Lucian.


    She had to admit that Lucian''s hug was magical, which calmed her down instantly.


    Lying in Lucian''s arms and feeling his strong heartbeat, Amelia totally calmed down.


    "What did Sasha say to you?" Lucian asked coldly.


    Amelia was shocked. She pulled her head up from Lucian''s hug and asked anxiously, "How did you


    know that Sasha said something to me?" Sasha''s action was inadvertent. She had a smile on her face,


    which made her look very friendly. The others might think that Sasha was scalded because of Amelia''s


    negligence.


    "With such low intelligence, how can you be my wife?" Lucian said and nced at her.


    Although these words were notforting to hear, they sounded so sweet.


    Amelia giggled and proudly said, "Fortune favors fools."


    With a look of defeat across her face, Lucian said in a serious tone, "Be careful. Don''t take Sasha''s


    words to heart."


    Amelia immediately straightened her posture and nodded approvingly, and with a little hesitation, she


    said, "But I feel terrible after hearing those words."


    What Sasha said had something to do with Lucian. It''s hard for her to not take them to heart.


    "What did she say?" Lucian looked at her pursed lips and asked patiently.


    Uh... Should she tell him? If she told the truth, Lucian would definitely be angry with Sasha. So after


    thinking for a while, Amelia chose not to tell the truth. She deliberately avoided the subject and asked


    whether he would go see Sasha.


    "I was supposed to care about her, but she deserved it. Don''t worry. Besides, Eric wille and tell me


    about her situationter." Lucian caressed Amelia''s long ck hair like it was no one''s business.


    Amelia was rendered speechless. She nned to visit Sasha during the lunch break. After all, it had


    something to do with her, and it was necessary to at least see if she was okay.


    "I''m sorry. It is my fault that the meeting had to end so abruptly." She always felt guilty. No matter if


    what she did was right or wrong, she would take everything to heart as long as she was involved.


    "Well, Amelia, your kindness doesn''t mean that you can''t tell right from wrong. If you still have a soft


    heart, this kind of situation will happen again." Lucian frowned as if he felt that she was too fond of


    taking responsibility for everything.


    "Alright." Amelia nodded reluctantly. She did not know what more she could say.

 Chapter 62 Getting Along Well

    Chapter 62 Getting Along Well


    For their lunch break that day, Amelia was nning to meet with Sasha. She was already on her way to


    Sasha when she stumbled upon something quite surprising.


    A female colleague called out Kent''s name and when Amelia turned to look at the person, the guy was


    the Kent that she knew.


    "Kent, why didn''t you clear it up with your girlfriend?" the female furiously asked.


    ''Isn''t Courtney Kent''s girlfriend?'' Amelia thought to herself silently. Amelia believed that their


    conversation had something to do with Courtney, so she decided not to make herself known and


    secretly listen.


    "Melissa, it''s not that easy to convince my girlfriend with just a few words. What''s more, my girlfriend


    and I have been together for so long. If I suddenly told her about it, she won''t be able to handle it." Kent


    tried to calm Melissa down by grabbing her arms and speaking to her in a self-pitying tone.


    "I don''t care about that. You and I both know what happened that night better than anyone else. If you


    don''t want to lose your reputation in the Zhan Group, you know what you should do!" Finishing those


    words, Melissa pushed Kent away and walked away with heavy steps. The sound of her heels could be


    heard even after she had been gone for a few minutes.


    Amelia was stunned. Although she wasn''t sure if what she just heard was as she guessed, she could


    definitely feel that there was something wrong with Kent and Courtney''s rtionship.


    ''Should I go and ask Kent to be sure? I guess right now is not a good time,'' Amelia thought to herself.


    While she was still hesitating, Kent went on his way downstairs. It seemed like he finally decided to


    chase after Melissa.


    For a while, Amelia stood at the stairs in a daze. She then remembered her n to meet Sasha so she


    quickly headed for the elevator. She decided then that she would visit Courtney after work.


    "It can''t be that, it''s got to be something else!" She silently hoped that things weren''t as bad as she


    thought.


    As Amelia went on her way to Sasha, she remembered that Courtney had told her that Kent was in the


    Sales Department. The same department where Sasha was working at. If Sasha was a representative


    of the meeting on behalf of the department, she must be a very important person around here. When


    she finally reached the office, a few female colleagues were gathered together, watching a movie on


    their phones and discussing with each other cheerfully. When they saw Amelia came in, they all


    returned to their seats quickly, looking at her curiously.


    Amelia did not expect that her arrival in the Sales Department would have such a reaction. She smiled


    at everyone and politely said, "I''m sorry to disturb you. Is Miss Sasha here?"


    "Mrs. Amelia, Miss Sasha''s hand got injured so she asked for a leave then went home," a tall female


    employee answered.


    "Oh okay, thank you," Amelia replied. Amelia smiled graciously and was about to leave but then she


    remembered how the female employee called her just now. She felt embarrassed so she reminded


    them, "I am also an employee of the Zhan Group, so we are colleagues. You can just call me by my


    name."


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    Although Amelia kindly introduced herself, others thought she was giving them orders and taking


    advantage of the title "Mrs. Amelia". Moreover, they hadn''t forgotten that it was she who identally


    burned Sasha''s hand in their morning meeting. This was why the staff of the Sales Department had a


    lousy impression of her.


    However, those female employees still pretended to be gracious with her. It was only when she left that


    they began to talk bad about her. Not one of them actually liked Amelia.


    "I heard you went to the Sales Department?" As soon as Amelia came back to the CEO''s office, Lucian


    questioned her while sitting on his armchair.


    Amelia was utterly surprised by Lucian''s words. She thought of asking if he had nted a monitoring


    device on her, but she knew that he could easily know everything because he was the CEO of the Zhan


    Group.


    "Stop muttering doubts in your mind. I''m just worried that my confused wife will not get her way. And


    you have been there for a very long time," Lucian sincerely stated while he looked at Amelia. Lucian


    ced his cup of coffee on the table and made a cup for Amelia. "You have a lot of work to do in the


    afternoon. So you should''ve just rxed and taken a rest. But instead, you wasted it by running around


    during your lunch break," Lucian thoughtfully said, scolding her a little.


    It was already a rare urrence for Lucian to say more than a few words to Amelia. And the fact that


    every word he said was about taking care of her brought upon a smile to her face and a warm feeling in


    her heart.


    Before saying anything else, she sipped from her cup. "I went to visit Miss Sasha."


    After uttering those words, Amelia felt it was unnecessary because Lucian probably knew about it


    already.


    Lucian looked at her earnestly and said, "Amelia, you have to be aware of your identity now."


    Amelia thought her posture wasn''t right since she was leaning forward against the desk. She


    immediately stood up straight.


    When he noticed this, Lucian couldn''t help butugh and said, "Amelia, are you that silly or are you just


    making fun of me?"


    She felt that neither was the case. She shook her head in confusion and responded, "Didn''t you tell me


    that I have to be aware of my identity? I know who I am, I''m your assistant. I should be respectful to


    you." Whenever Eric would interact with Lucian, he would always stand upright, speak in a soft tone,


    act in a respectful manner, and politely talk to him.


    Upon hearing what Amelia said, Lucian couldn''t help but give her a thumbs up. He then said, "I mean,


    since you''re my wife, you don''t have to worry about Sasha. And, do you really mean it when you said


    that you''re not jealous?"


    After which, Lucian looked at Amelia''s face with curious eyes, trying to see the changes in her


    expression.


    Amelia suddenly looked anxious. There was a voice in her heart saying that of course, she was


    jealous, but...


    "I was also a victim of love so I didn''t want to make Sasha sad." This was exactly what Amelia had in


    her mind. She didn''t believe that she had to be a respectable person in their rtionship.


    Lucian couldn''t help but sneer. He gave her a warning look and firmly stated, "If you step back, she will


    try every means to get close to me. By then, the only thing you can do is cry."


    "But if you really love me, you can endure every temptation that wille your way." Amelia candidly


    stated her opinion.


    When Lucian heard those words, he was confused and had a dumbfounded look on his face. He didn''t


    know how to respond to that.


    He had known Amelia to be a sensitive woman. He was conflicted because he knew Amelia wouldn''t


    be able to handle the truth so how in the world could he tell her anything?


    So instead, he feigned a dejected tone as he said, "You''re right, I''ve always had a fool in my heart."


    "A fool?" Amelia asked. She found herself feeling confused. But when she looked at Lucian''s sincere


    face, she immediately understood what he meant and it actually made her smile.


    "Lucian, you are extremely handsome, but even if it was a sunny day or a rainy day, you always have a


    bad temper." She teased him a little.


    "Even so, there are still people like me who don''t mind," she immediately added. Lucian''s heart was


    filled with joy. He sincerely said, "Tell me when you go to the other departments, I''ll ask Eric toe


    along with you."


    "Why?" Amelia questioned. She thought that people in the office might think that she was proud and


    conceited if she were to show up with Eric. Because around the office, she was known as Lucian''s


    assistant and not as Mrs. Amelia.


    "Because youck the confidence," Lucian immediately replied.


    With this, Amelia was rendered speechless. She pondered for a moment before asking, "What does


    Sasha mean to you?"


    However, the second she uttered those words, she felt embarrassed for asking such a foolish question.


    Lucian thought to himself while staring at Amelia for a while. Then he said in a faint voice, "I''m sorry but


    I owe her."


    "You owe her?" Amelia asked him with so much confusion written all over her face.


    "It''s nothing. You don''t have to worry about it. Just do your work. Remember that you can''t go home


    until you finish sorting out the documents," Lucian responded, trying to avoid the topic. Then he


    immediately stood up, walked to his desk, and began to resume his work.


    Amelia just stood still after hearing what Lucian had just said. Her face was full of doubts and a longing


    to ask for more. But she realized that Lucian wasn''t going to tell her more about it so she just went


    back to her seat. She resumed her work, hoping that she would have some rity soon enough.


    Amelia was too caught up in her emotions that she didn''t even notice how Lucian looked at her several


    times.


    ''I have to admit it, Amelia looks extremely charming when she''s serious.


    Whether her hair was tied up or casuallyid down, it seems so soft and lovely. I just want to reach out


    and brush my fingers through her hair,'' Lucian thought to himself.


    During Amelia''s first day of work for the Zhan Group, Lucian remembered that he prepared some ck


    tea and honey grapefruit tea for her. He didn''t want her to think that he was giving her some special


    treatment, so he didn''t give it to her. But right now, he believed the time was right and he didn''t have to


    hide his love for her anymore.


    With this realization, he made some ck tea for Amelia and brought it to her desk. As he ced the


    cup in front of her, Amelia took a long time to notice because of the thoughts that still resided in her


    mind from her conversation with Lucian earlier.


    The first thing she noticed was the scent of tea so she raised her head and saw Lucian''s handsome


    face. It made her heart skip a beat. A smile made its way to her face and then she politely thanked him.


    "You seem to be doing well with your work so this is your reward," Lucian inly stated, as if he was


    just casually talking with anyone else.


    Even if his tone was just casual, Amelia was very happy and grateful. She smiled and looked around.


    When she was sure that no one was near enough to hear her, she said, "Thank you, honey."


    Hearing the word "honey" surprised Lucian. The calm demeanor which he would show all the time was


    suddenly reced with a gentle smile and a heart overflowing with happiness. All because of one word.


    He knew that Amelia was teasing him. But if he were being honest, he would like it if she called him like


    that on a daily basis.


    "Amelia, I have goose bumps all over my body now," Lucian awkwardly said. Lucian gently pinched


    Amelia''s cheek while his eyes were full of adoration towards her.


    Amelia subconsciously pursed her lips. She remembered that she had to visit Courtney after work and


    had wanted to ask Lucian for permission. She was waiting for the right time when he would be in a


    good mood so she immediately tried to tter him. Looking at him from below hershes, she softly


    said, "Have I told you how handsome you are, today? Oh, what a lucky girl am I!"


    Lucian narrowed his eyes in suspicion and felt that something was wrong. He carefully looked at


    Amelia and said, "Tell me, what''s the matter?"


    Hearing those words, Amelia was stunned. She figured that perhaps, her expression gave it away.


    She thought that Lucian had already figured her out so there was no reason to beat around the bush


    anymore. She pouted and pleaded, "Mr. Lucian, can I go visit Courtney after work?" Courtney and


    Amelia had been best friends for so long. If something happened between Courtney and Kent''s


    rtionship, Amelia felt the need to help her as soon as possible. Otherwise, she would have failed as


    a friend.


    "You don''t have to ask for my permission if you''re just going to visit your best friend," Lucian candidly


    spoke. He tried to hide the fact that he was actually uneasy with allowing Amelia to go to Courtney.


    After the previous lies, he seemed to have a tinge of distrust towards Amelia''s words.


    Although what happened between Lucian and Jonny wasn''t a big deal, the incident that happened ten


    years ago had caused some trauma to Lucian''s heart. Even though Lucian''s rtionship with Jonny


    was not that deep, it ultimately ceased every bit of regard that he had for the


    man.

 Chapter 63 Get Drunk With Courtney

    Chapter 63 Get Drunk With Courtney


    When she heard that Lucian had misunderstood her, she got anxious and said, "Lucian, we are a


    couple. We should trust each other. I respect your opinion, that''s the reason I told you. I didn''t expect


    that you would think of me like this!"


    After saying her piece in a state of fury, she drank the ck tea that Lucian made.


    When Lucian saw her angry face, he could not help but smile. He felt that he was in the wrong, so he


    smiled and said, "This is just a kind reminder."


    "So, did you agree?" asked she with wide eyes. She was eager to confirm it.


    "Yes." Lucian looked at her, his eyes locked on hers. He took her cup and filled it with tea.


    His consideration made Amelia happy. Looking at his tall figure, she sighed. She was too happy.


    It was almost time to go home. Lucian told her that there would be a dinner party that evening. He


    would be passing Courtney''s milk tea shop, so he could drive her there.


    Amelia thought, ''Since we are going the same way, it will not be bother if I go with him.'' Without any


    hesitation, she agreed to go with him.


    The Zhan Group wasn''t far from Courtney''s milk tea shop. It was only a few minute-drive. Before


    getting off the car, Amelia told Lucian to take care and to not drink too much at the party. She also told


    him that if he did drink, he should call her so she could pick him up.


    Lucian nodded incessantly, thenined, "Mrs. Amelia, you''re nagging me."


    The jest in his voice was more ttering than mocking.


    "I''ll be going then." Blushing, she pointed to the milk tea shop.


    "Wait!" Lucian got out of the car, her scarf on his hand. "It''s very cold these days. You wouldn''t want to


    catch a cold," he said thoughtfully.


    It was her scarf, but why was it in the car?


    Without satisfying her curiosity, Lucian went back to his car while telling her, "Don''t eat spicy food and


    do not drink!"


    Thosest few words were domineering. Like an rm clock, it echoed inside her head repeatedly.


    Even though she didn''t think of it that much, but his words were effective. She practiced saying lines


    inside her head. When she entered, she could still hear Lucian reminding her over and over.


    It was quiet inside. Guests would be arriving at dinner. She scanned the area. Upon seeing Courtney


    lying on the bar in a daze, she ced her bag on the counter and jested, "Manager Courtney, the guest


    has arrived. Why are you not greeting her?"


    Courtneyzily looked up and mumbled, "I''m not in the mood to entertain the guest."


    Seeing how gloomy Courtney was, Amelia''s heart sunk. She wondered if something happened


    between Courtney and Kent.


    "What''s wrong?" Amelia asked courteously.


    She didn''t dare to mention Kent.


    Usually, she would just ask Kent. But since she saw him with another woman at noon, she couldn''t ask


    him.


    "Amelia, do you think Kent and me are tired of each other?" Courtney, finally raising her head, asked in


    a depressed mood.


    "Can you tell me straight?" Amelia had always been careful with her words, as if she feared to talk


    about Courtney''s hardships.


    Courtney''s rtionship was very rough. In Courtney''s eyes, Kent was the Mr. Right. She steeled


    herself and fought for their rtionship even if her family heavily opposed it. If she broke up with him,


    Amelia was afraid that she might break down.


    "Ever since he started working at the Zhan Group, he never called me. I tried calling him, but he would


    either not answer or would just hang up." The more Courtney talked about it, the more annoyed she


    became. She grumbled, "I almost had a fight with my family because of him. Even if I was wronged, I


    couldn''t talk to anybody. Let alone tell you. I didn''t want Kent to think I''m loose lipped."


    Perhaps it was due to holding her hardships for far too long, tears started rolling down her cheeks as


    soon as she finished.


    Amelia''s heart sunk seeing her like that. She grabbed a tissue and handed it to Courtney. Trying to


    come up with something tofort her, she exined, "The Sales Department has a lot of work and a


    lot of social engagements. Maybe he is just busy."


    "But he should still have some time to answer the phone, right?" Courtney pouted. She felt that there


    was no reason for her to feelforted.


    "What would you like for dinner?" Amelia knew that trying tofort her would only worsen the


    situation, so she decided to be practical.


    "I don''t want to eat. I want to drink!" Courtney answered without missing a beat.


    Amelia already knew she would answer like that.


    Remembering Lucian''s reminder, she hesitated for a bit. However, she agreed since she wanted to


    cheer Courtney up.


    Courtney wanted to eat hotpot. Amelia brought her to the oldest hotpot shop in the city. It was only half


    an hour past six yet the ce was already full. The food there was authentic and the price was also


    affordable. It was the perfect choice for the masses.


    They sat at the innermost table.


    Courtney shouted for a drink as soon as she sat down. The waiter holding the menu looked


    embarrassed, so Amelia ordered with a soft voice, "Two bottles of beer please."


    Amelia could drink less if she would drink with Courtney. Otherwise, she wouldn''t be able to exin it to


    Lucian once she got home.


    Since she made a promise with Lucian, she must keep that promise.


    She was meant to eat some light food, but it turned out that she actually wanted some spicy hotpot.


    She always did what Lucian told her not to do.


    When she thought about it, her sweat started to run cold. The fact that she could not let her best friend


    down was the only thing calming her down.


    "Two bottles of beer are not enough for us! We want a dozen." Courtney shouted in an unhappy voice


    when the beers were served.


    The waiter was a little overwhelmed. His eyes looked strange. Perhaps this was his first time seeing


    someone drinking right after sitting down.


    Courtney''s voice was sharp. She was furious and her tone sounded furious. The customers sitting next


    to her heard her. Several men even curiously took a peek.


    "Do what she asks," Amelia said in a low voice. She took the menu and started to order.


    "Amelia, if you don''t drink with me tonight, we are no longer friends!" Courtney demanded as she


    grabbed Amelia''s sleeve.


    Amelia looked up and stared at Courtney, who was exaggerating a sad face. "You haven''t even started


    drinking yet, and you''re already throwing yourself at me like this. I can''t carry you aler."


    Amelia wondered if she should call Kent to stop Courtney. Maybe their misunderstanding could be


    cleared.


    "Don''t look down on me. Even a thousand sses of wine is not enough for me!" Courtney yed with


    the chopsticks, spinning them over and over.


    Amelia didn''t want to argue with her. She said in a serious tone, "I''ll text Lucian first."


    "Humph!" Courtney nced at Amelia, her eyebrows knitted and mouth pouting. Courtney replied, "If


    you keep doing this, you won''t have a ce to stay anymore."


    In Courtney''s opinion, Amelia was too obedient to Lucian. She used to respect Jasper''s words when


    they were still dating. Although in the end, Jasper and Ynda got along too well. She believed that it


    was Amelia''s fault for being too nice that Jasper cheated on her.


    Actually, Amelia was sending a message to Kent. She used that excuse so Courtney wouldn''t find out.


    "Amelia. Cheers!" Courtney already opened two bottles of beer. She handed one to Amelia and started


    to drink the other one.


    Holding the bottle, Amelia frowned. She wanted to stop Courtney from drinking too much, but she knew


    it would be futile. She just let her go and drink.N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    "Eat something first." Amelia started filling Courtney''s bowl with her favorite dishes.


    Courtney stopped and stared at Amelia, who was giving her food.


    "Amelia, you even know my favorite foods." Courtney looked like she was about to cry.


    Seeing her expression, Amelia knew that she was touched. She poured some cold water for her. "If I


    was not afraid about you drinking too much, I would not have cared about you!"


    Courtney giggled. There was no trace of anger on her face.


    "It''s better than Kent anyway," she sighed, grabbed the bottle, and gulped it down.


    Frightened, Amelia stopped her in a beat, "Didn''t I told you to eat something first before drinking?


    Drinking with an empty stomach will harm your stomach. Haven''t you seen me suffer from gastritis?"


    When Amelia just started living out on her own, she didn''t have any ce to go to. It was Courtney who


    took her in during those times.


    During their freshman year in the university, Amelia lived in Courtney''s house. They were initially


    ssmates who became close friends. Courtney had once seen her clutching her stomach, rolling on


    the bed in pain. Remembering this, Courtney snatched the bottle in front of Amelia and said, "For your


    stomach''s sake, I won''t let you drink!"


    When Courtney said that, Amelia felt a quick jolt of pain in her heart.


    Both she and Courtney werepassionate people. They could be cruel to themselves, but never to


    others. They always put the me on themselves. Even after Jasper cheated on her, Amelia didn''t cry.


    Instead, she gave them her blessing.


    Maybe, it was God who made her break up with Jasper in order for her to meet Lucian.


    "I''ll join you!" Amelia grabbed the bottle and started drinking.


    She would rather see Courtney happy, even if that meant having gastritis. It was uselessforting


    Courtney. Amelia could only let her do whatever she wanted to do. Anything was good as long as she


    was happy.


    After half an hour, their table was already filled with empty bottles. Courtney, like a bewitched girl, ran


    into the toilet frequently.


    Amelia''s face was already flushed and her back cold with sweat. She was already full with the beer,


    and barely ate any food.


    Even though she was already dizzy, she could still think clearly. She checked her phone several times,


    but Kent didn''t reply.


    "Hey, beauty. Do you want to drink with us?" One fat man came beside Amelia and grabbed her arm.


    Disgusted, Amelia frowned and freed her hand. She asked, her voice filled with disgust, "Who are


    you?"


    "My boss told me to ask you to drink with us. Do you want toe?" The man continued to harass


    Amelia.

 Chapter 64 Courtney Was Missing

    Chapter 64 Courtney Was Missing


    Amelia was a little dazed and overwhelmed by what she heard. But she was clear with what she wants


    and doesn''t want so she replied aggressively, "Of course I don''t want that!" She straightened herself up


    to show what kind of girl she was. Inside her head she was screaming, "Who in this damn world would


    want that!"


    Shocked by Amelia''s answer, the fat man shouted angrily, "Shit! Our boss is a renowned person in the


    city. How dare you refuse him!" He couldn''t believe Amelia''s answer but he had no choice but to do his


    boss'' order. The fat man seemed to have lost his patience and his tone became more violent. Anger


    obviously showed up to his face as he pulled up his sleeves. He was ready to force Amelia and do


    anything to bring her to his boss, even if it required violence.


    Amelia saw the anger in the fat man''s face, she squinted at him and asked, "Is your boss a big shot in


    the city?"


    Hearing the sound of Amelia''s voice, the fat man realized that she was afraid so he answered proudly,


    "Of course, everyone in the city is afraid of him!"


    "He is a tough guy! He wouldn''t let anyone say no to him," the fat man tried to scared Amelia. Amelia


    nodded, though she knew that the fat man was just trying to scared the hell out of her. With a scornful


    smile, she said, "Everybody in the city must have some reputation. I don''t think he''s that well-known. I


    don''t even know him."


    The fat man seemed to feel that Amelia didn''t take him seriously. He frowned, put his one hand on his


    waist and pointed at Amelia''s face. "I''m asking you for thest time. Do you want to drink with our


    boss?"


    Amelia smirked, pulled her hair up, looked down at the angry fat man and said firmly, "Of course not!


    Now if you don''t mind, can you please go back to your boss and back off!"


    She wasn''t afraid of him no matter how influential he thought he was. And she didn''t believe that this fat


    ugly man would dare to force her in public. The people inside the store looked at them fiercely so she


    tilted her head up proudly.


    The fat man saw the people looking at them. It made him more mad and upset. He got very annoyed,


    pointed again at Amelia and yelled, "You are brave! Just wait and see!"


    The fat man walked away furiously. He stamped his feet hard to the ground like a child having his


    tantrums. He exactly knew what his boss would do to him and it made him more frustrated.


    Amelia didn¡¯t care about what the fat man said, she thought he only said it out of anger. She continued


    to eat all the dishes that she had ordered. She wasn''t bothered by a babbling fat man who appeared


    out of nowhere.


    But Amelia wondered why did it take Courtney, her friend, so long in the bathroom? She left a couple of


    minutes ago and still wasn''t back.


    After looking around, everyone was drinking and talking happily except her. It made her feel pity about


    herself and at the same time, she was worried about Courtney. She stood up and went to the bathroom


    to check on her.


    As soon as she entered the bathroom, Amelia could hear Courtney''s howling. She was frightened for


    her friend so she rushed in and found Courtney crying her heart out while vomiting.


    "Courtney, what''s wrong with you? What happened?" Amelia said warily. She slowly patted her back up


    and down. Amelia wasn''t used to seeing her friend in that state. Amelia brought out her towel and


    wiped Courtney''s face.


    "Amelia, that bastard broke up with me via text message. What on earth did I do wrong?" Courtney


    said. "He didn''t even have the guts to show up and tell it personally." Courtney was so drunk she


    couldn''t barely stand up. She held the phone up to Amelia''s face to show his text message and tears


    trickled down on her cheeks.


    Amelia''s heart got broken for her friend too after reading the message. She read it over and over again


    as she didn¡¯t believe what she saw.


    "We are not meant for each other. Let''s break up," Kent said in the text message. Kent was Courtney''s


    boyfriend for many years already. They''d been together for God knows how long.


    The message was so simple as if they hadn''t been together for so long. It was as if they had never


    been there for each other for the ups and downs of their lives. It was as if he had only broken up with


    his girlfriend for 5 days.


    "Courtney, there must be some misunderstandings. Let''s go out first, okay?" Amelia held the cellphone,


    trembling constantly and thought of the right words to say to Courtney. "Maybe this isn''t what Kent


    meant. Maybe you just got it wrong. Let''s go and we will talk to him."


    Amelia helped drunk Courtney out of the bathroom. And Courtney said she wanted to drink more¡­


    "Let''s go home and stop drinking." Ameliabed the hair out of Courtney''s face. She said it patiently


    like talking to a child.


    Courtney broke free from Amelia''s grip and pointed at her. "You''re my best friend. Let''s get hammered!


    Let''s party until the night ends!" she said in a drunk voice, barely uttering the words properly.


    Amelia went silent all of a sudden and just looked at Courtney, recalling herself in the same situation as


    her not so long ago. She remembered the times when she also drowned her sorrows in wine and


    alcohol. At this very moment, she knew exactly how upset Courtney was. So she escorted her back to


    the table.


    In the table, Courtney drank beer and Amelia didn''t stop her. She felt so sorry for her but couldn''t do


    anything about it but to be present for her friend. After all, she knew it was better for Courtney to cry her


    heart out.


    "Hey, what happened? Why are you crying?" A voice came out of nowhere. Suddenly a man dressed in


    a suit came over. With one hand ced on Courtney''s shoulder, he said in a familiar tone.


    He brought out his handkerchief and handed it to Courtney. Amelia thought he knew Courtney, so she


    just looked at him quietly. She examined him from head to toe as he was not familiar.


    The man looked about 34 or 35 years old. Tall, dark, and carried himself with pride and amiable smile.


    "I didn''t cry!" Courtney removed the hand of the man from her shoulder. She wiped the tears on her


    face,bed her hair with her hands, straightened herself, raised her ss and happily said, "Cheers!"


    The ss gave out a sharp, crisp sound due to the force of Courtney''s hand. It had almost broken due


    to the hard force.


    The man''s expression was a little shocked, but the smile was still on his face. He raised his ss and


    drank with her. Then, he looked at the quiet Amelia and asked politely, "Miss, may I propose a toast to


    you?"


    Amelia didn''t know exactly who he was, she wasn''t even sure if he was a friend of Courtney. But for the


    sake of respect, she still raised her ss with a faint smile on her face and took a sip of beer.


    The man noticed that Amelia was hesitant. So he sat down beside her, fixed himself and said with a


    smile, "This girl looks very sad. How can she relieve her depression if you sit down like this?"


    The remorseful look of the man, however, was mistaken by Amelia to be his concern for Courtney, and


    she thought that Courtney and the man knew each other.


    "Yes, she cried, shouted, and got drunk. She would be fine," Amelia answered with a half-smile.


    The man took a deep look at Amelia and raised his ss again. "You are beautiful. Here''s to you." The


    sparks in his eyes were obviously saying that he admired her. He couldn''t hide it.


    Amelia was not the type of person who could be ttered by other people''s praise, so she just smiled


    slightly without saying anything and turned her focus back to Courtney.


    Amelia might sometimes be hard-headed and careless, but she was not the kind of person to give in


    and be casual with others. Especially those whom she had met for the first time like this man. She


    would rather pay more attention and take care of Courtney than to mingle with him. She needed to


    send Courtney home so she opted to take only two sips of beer.


    "I''m sorry but I have to go. I have to attend a dinner party. I won''t disturb you anymore." He pointed at


    the innermost private room. He said it warmly and modestly as he didn''t want to sound rude.


    Amelia just nodded to him and then turned her attention back to Courtney, who was also puzzled by


    what happened.


    "Courtney, is the man who just left your friend?" as soon as the strange man left and out of their sight,


    Amelia asked the drunk Courtney for confirmation.


    "Yes, of course," Courtney babbled the words as she tried to reply and also squinted her eyes.


    "All right," Amelia, still puzzled, answered hesitantly. Seeing that Courtney was so drunk, Amelia


    stopped her. She asked in a negotiable tone, "Courtney, let''s stop drinking, okay? If you want to drink,


    let''s drink at home." Amelia was still upset by what happened earlier with that fat man and she wanted


    to rest but she couldn''t leave her friend alone in that kind of ce.


    Courtney nodded. She grabbed the bottle, pointed at Amelia''s ss and said drunkenly, "Finish thest


    ss and I promise we''ll go home!"


    Amelia looked at the half empty ss of beer and hesitated for a while. But then she remembered that


    Courtney promised to go home after drinking this ss of beer, she gulped it in one shot without


    hesitation. "Go Amelia! Go Amelia!" Courtney cheered her up as she was drinking it.


    Drinking so much beer on the chilly day made her stomach feel like filled with ice.


    Amelia couldn''t help but thought of those warning words from Lucian, the love of her life way before.


    She thought of the way he reminded her of the do''s and don''ts, the way he got mad when she''s so


    hard-headed but still loved her all the same. She couldn''t let go of this thought. Suddenly, she felt a pair


    of eyes staring at her behind her head.


    ''This was probably a guilty conscience,'' she thought.


    After paying the bill, Amelia went to Courtney to take her back home, but she didn''t find her.


    Her heart skipped a beat and was so nervous. She searched around the hotpot restaurant and asked


    everyone, but did not find Courtney.


    She thought she came back to the toilet so Amelia ran and rushed to it. She checked every cubicle but


    there was no one there.


    Amelia was so anxious and nervous that she ran going to the receptionist to ask for the help of the


    person in charge of the hotpot restaurant. She was panting when she asked, "Where is your manager?


    I need your help. My friend is missing! She was drunk and I need to find her!"


    The receptionist called their manager via phone and asked if they coulde by. "This is our


    manager." The receptionist led Amelia to the manager''s office and got out.


    "It''s you?" Amelia asked, shocked by whom she saw. The manager standing in front of her was exactly


    the same man who talked and drank with them a while ago. She didn''t expect that it was such a


    coincidence. Besides, Courtney said that she knew him and she believed her. On the other hand,


    Amelia seemed to have found a savior in this chaos. She immediately pleaded sincerely, "Can you help


    me to find Courtney in this shop?"


    With an evil and attractive smile, the man snuffed out his cigar with his fingertips, stood up and walked


    closely to Amelia. "Don''t worry, Miss Amelia. I have asked people to check the surveince video. I


    believe there will be information about that Miss soon."


    "How do you know my name?" Amelia was shocked and surprised. She took a step back and looked at


    the man alertly, ready to fight back just in case he would try to hurt her.


    The man raised his eyebrows and moved a little bit closer to Amelia, he looked at her and said with a


    smirk, "Because of the Zhan Group."


    Amelia immediately understood what did he mean. Her photos had been reported by the media


    because of the issue that escted way before. It was shameful that she couldn''t bring herself outside


    their home because everyone, even strangers, noticed her.


    All of a sudden, Amelia felt hot on her face and head.


    Amidst the hot that she felt, she wanted to plead the man in front of her to look for Courtney. But her


    remaining energy was drained after everything that happened this night, she almost fell down.


    "Miss Amelia, be careful." The man held her, and his tone was very gentle. From his tone, he meant no


    harm to Amelia.


    Amelia struggled to stand on her own feet, then pushed away the man''s hands and said, "Thank you.


    I''m okay."


    She thought, ''It''s so strange. I didn''t even drink a whole bottle of beer tonight. Why did I feel dizzy


    again?''


    She was puzzled and wanted to leave the office of this man. No matter what it takes, to leave and


    search for Courtney were the main priority right now. She didn''t have time to think of her own issues


    and exin herself to this man. She mumbled to herself, ''I must find Courtney.''


    "Miss Amelia, where are you going?" When the man saw that Amelia was about to open the door, he


    immediately walked up to her and held her hand.


    Although there was a surge of heat in her body and despite of dizziness, Amelia tried to keep awake


    and alert. She looked up and said lightly, "If you don''t want to help, please let me go!"


    Amelia was worried about Courtney. If she continued to stay here, it would only be a waste of time and


    Courtney would be more dangerous.


    "I''ll go with you." The man let her go, put on his suit, and walked out of the office with Amelia.


    After taking two steps, Amelia felt her body burning and weak and her eyeballs starting to swell. Her


    head ached so much that she couldn''t bear it anymore. Everything around her became blurred. She


    tried to take steps again but then she lost her consciousness instantly.


    The strange man approached her with full attention and tried to hold her. But Amelia didn''t want any


    help from him. She brushed off his hand and walked leaning against the wall.


    At this moment the image of Lucian filled her mind. ''He could help me,'' she said to herself.All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She shook her head hard to get rid of the desire in her heart, the most important thing now was


    Courtney. Then she picked up her cell phone from her pocket and dialed Lucian''s number despite


    feeling so dizzy and weak.


    After the second ring, Lucian answered the phone.


    "Hello?" His deep and maic voice was so moving that Amelia felt ufortable right after hearing


    his voice.


    Why did his voice feel like home? Why did his voice touch her heart? She just wanted run to him, hold


    him tightly and never let him go.


    "Lucian, I... I miss you. Pleasee quickly... " She sounded attractive.


    After a short silence, Lucian sighed heavily and asked, "Did you drink again?" Just hearing Amelia''s


    voice, Lucian knew right there and then that she drank again.


    "I drank a little, and then... Courtney was missing." Then she began to cry so hard.


    "Tell me the ce. I''ll be there soon." The man on the other end of the line became anxious.


    After the address was finished, Amelia hung up the phone and the man in front of her was staring at


    her.


    "Miss Amelia, did you just call Mr. Lucian?" the strange man said, puzzled. The man didn''t get any


    answer from Amelia so he just reached out his hand and helped her stand up.


    Although Amelia was weak and feeble totally, she knew what she was doing and would not do anything


    shameful again. She always kept a distance with the man.

 Chapter 65 An Accident

    Chapter 65 An ident


    "Courtney went missing inside your restaurant. If you can''t find her, you shall be hold responsible for


    this..." Amelia couldn''t finish her words as she suddenly felt her strength cut loose and her body


    copsed on the ground. She couldn''t push herself up as she was already too weak to even voice out


    another word.


    In front of her, the man was unperturbed hearing hersh out against him. He walked closer and


    crouched just an arm''s length away from where sheid, the expression in his eyes showed a


    complicated gaze. He stretched his hand touching the tips of her hair and gently flipped it behind her


    shoulders. He then spoke, "Don''t worry Miss Amelia. I will take care of it and will take the


    responsibility."


    "What are you doing?" Amelia shouted as she was caught in surprise by the man''s actions. She felt


    angry and furiously shook off his hand sending back a re.


    She was currently feeling an immense pain in her body, and it certainly pressured her remaining


    strength to fight back as she was instantly driven by annoyance. She would never allow anyone to


    touch her even in such a dire situation.


    "Mr. Chen, we have found thedy." The tense atmosphere was then immediately interrupted by a


    voice. From the corner, a tall and thin figure of a young man in work attire came over and reported


    respectfully.


    Hearing those words, Amelia whipped her head to the person who spoke and eagerly asked for


    confirmation, "Is that true? You said you have found her?"


    "Miss Amelia, it''s not a big deal. Don''t be so anxious. Here, let me help you out," the strange man


    spoke up instead and answered her. He was still close to her and gestured to help her with a stretched


    hand once again. A big smile was stered on his face.


    Hearing the confirmation that Courtney was already safe, she finally felt relieved. She looked back at


    the strange man and hesitated to ept his help. She still acted stubborn and tried to get up, but fell in


    deep trouble. She found that she couldn''t move an inch. She kept her stubbornness as she didn''t want


    to be supported by the man but she knew that this was not the time to keep up with such attitude as


    she still needed to get down the stairs.


    She had no other choice but to ept the man''s help as she was supported to stand up and was led


    through the way.


    With the help of the strange man, Amelia was guided to walk down the stairs in an unhurried manner.


    Just as they were near the exit, Lucian arrived and looked flustered noticing their position. He saw that


    the man''s arm was encircled around Amelia''s shoulder and his other arm was holding on to one of her


    arms. He immediately seized Amelia into his arms and warned, "Stay away from my woman!"


    "Honey, you are here." Amelia''s tender voice softened Lucian''s raging heart. His anger disappeared in


    a sh and checked her condition if she was hurt elsewhere.


    At the same time, the drunk Courtney with messy clothes staggered over calling Amelia''s name.


    Seeing this, Lucian frowned slightly and ordered the guards behind him, "Help Courtney get in the car.


    I''ll be in charge here."


    A guard from behind then stepped forward and supported Courtney out of the hot pot restaurant. The


    restaurant was already empty since all the guests had already scurried away when Lucian appeared.


    It seemed that a gangster tavern was already guarded and surrounded by the police.


    "Mr. Lucian, wee!" the strange man greeted and pped his hands keeping a smile on his face.


    Lucian looked at the man with a cold expression while hugging Amelia to keep her bnce and roughly


    asked, "What did you do to them?"


    The strange man was still unconcerned by the cold treatment and kept his smile. He then replied in an


    innocent tone, "Mrs. Amelia and her friend drank too much. I just noticed them when I''m on my way.


    Nothing happened."


    "Candice, the ten-year history of your shop is over now." The wording out of Lucian''s mouth was


    as cold as an ice bean. Without any intention to talk to the man any further, he lifted Amelia in his arms


    and carried her out of the restaurant. The strange man, Candice, was left with a sour expression on his


    face.


    Meanwhile, Amelia was feeling dizzy and felt that her body was being lightly swayed in the air. Her


    eyes fluttered open as a blurry face came into view. She gently reached out her hand and touched


    Lucian''s face as if she was groping in the dark night. Her emotion of fear and doubt soon was eased as


    she felt a sense of familiarity.


    "Why is it so hot?" After putting Amelia on the car, Lucian touched her forehead and frowned. He found


    out that her temperature was surprisingly high. He thought that she had caught a cold, so he asked


    Frank to drive the car in a hurry. He sat on the back seat together with Amelia as it would be


    convenient to take care of her in a wider space in the car.


    "I''m sorry... I didn''t drink. I just drank a little... " Amelia spoke truthfully, lying in Lucian''s arms. Feeling a


    bit clearheaded for a second, she revealed her thoughts in confusion.


    Lucian listened as she mumbled and naturally thought that at first everything was all right. However, he


    suddenly felt that something was off. Thinking deeper of her words, he clenched his fist and got angry


    in the sudden realization.


    Recalling that time when he held her in his arms just a moment ago, he indeed thought that she was


    drunk. She was cheating herself.


    As the time passed by, Amelia felt like she was being roasted under a burning stove. Her whole body


    started getting hot, and her heart was like being gnawed by thousands of worms. It continued to itch


    and when the itching was bing unbearable, she always felt that there was a gap in her heart, and


    she wanted to fill it.


    She clutched Lucian''s arm and mumbled, "It''s so hot..."


    Lucian was observing her and felt aggrieved. He could feel that her body temperature seemed to be


    getting higher. Seeing that Amelia was squirming under his hold and about to take off her clothes, he


    reached out to stop her hands. Then he said in a soft voice, "Hold on for a little longer. We''ll be home


    soon."


    Amelia was already not on her right mind feeling lightheaded. Like a naughty child, she didn''t care of


    anything else but what she''s feeling right now and struggled in Lucian''s arms against his will. She


    continued to shout, "Hot!"


    "Mr. Lucian, could it be that Candice has done something to the wine?" Frank reminded while driving.


    Lucian noticed and already confirmed his thoughts that Amelia was not drunk but drugged by that


    damned man.


    His whole countenance grew cold as he frowned and said coldly, "Very well, good! Candice has already


    be my enemy in public!"


    "Mr. Lucian, please tell us what we shall do next and we''ll carry it out immediately." Frank understood


    Lucian''s grudge and responded.


    "Send Amelia home first. Nothing is more important than her right now." Lucian managed to calm his


    emotion as he fixed his eyes on Amelia. He was feeling angry and anxious but he wouldn''t act rashly at


    the moment. He needed to take care of her first and foremost to make sure she would be okay.


    Amelia was still not being cooperative and kept on moving but he held her close. It took ten minutes


    later when the car finally arrived at the SJ Garden. He swiftly carried her out of the car and strode into


    the vi.


    "What''s wrong with Mrs. Amelia?" Lily asked in surprise the moment she saw Lucian carrying a flushed


    Amelia walking in a rush going upstairs. She didn''t get any response but quickly followed to know what


    was going on.


    "Lily, put some cold water in the bathtub." Lucian briskly ordered.


    "Okay." Lily following behind was quick to reply and moved to follow what she needed to do. It was not


    the time to ask questions looking at the grim expression of Lucian. She went straight to the bathroom


    and filled the bathtub with cold water.


    Amelia was sweating all over, her clothes already sticking tightly at her bodice. Her face went crimson


    red and she looked at Lucian with dreamy eyes.


    Her expression seemed ambiguous. This moment, she appeared a little more charming than usual.


    "Hot..." Her voice was deep and seductive. When she uttered the word, her hot breath blew on Lucian''s


    neck, gradually making it a kind of a tease.


    He was a man after all. She was the woman he loved and it was impossible for him not to have a crush


    on the person who he considered special in his life.


    He wanted her to be his many times, but out of space and respect, he was willing to wait. He was


    willing to wait for the right time where she in turn could fully ept him in her heart, mind, body and


    soul.


    However, the situation at the moment truly gave Lucian trouble. Under the shining crystalmp, his


    sight was attracted by Amelia''s snow-white skin. She had already momentarily opened her cor


    because of the heat.


    "Mr. Lucian, the water is ready." Standing at the door of the bathroom, Lily asked worriedly, "It''s so cold


    outside. Are you going to bathe Mrs. Amelia with cold water? What if she catches a cold?"


    Lucian was cut off from his own thoughts. He heard about what Lily said which made him frown slightly.


    He had no other better way to help Amelia decrease the heat in her body, so he only had to bathe her


    in cold water.


    With a resolute mind and without any other hesitations, he strode to the bathroom with Amelia in his


    arms. He carefully submerged her whole body into the water which gradually made her stop with her


    grumbles. Lucian sat on the edge of the bathtub and held her hand tightly. He softlyforted her and


    said, "Don''t worry. You''ll be fine soon."


    He continued to observe the changes in her body until it was ten minutester where the heat in her


    body hadpletely faded away. Making sure that her temperature was back to normal, he gently


    lifted her up from the bathtub. He then quickly wrapped her up with a bath towel and carried her once


    again out of the bathroom.


    Lily had been waiting in the room and was growing anxious. Just as she was about to help when she


    saw Lucian carrying Amelia to the bed, she was stopped. Lucian insisted on doing it on his own and


    instead asked, "How is Miss Courtney?"


    "Miss Courtney cried for a while, but she is now asleep. I''ll check her outter. If she wakes up, I''ll


    make her some honey water," Lily answered cautiously. She was still a little confused about the


    situation.


    "Lily, please make some ginger soup for Mrs. Amelia," Lucian requested. Now that Amelia''s


    temperature was back to normal, he was worried that she would catch a cold because of bathing in the


    cold water.


    "Okay. Mr. Lucian, Mrs. Amelia will be warmer if you hold her," Lily suggested.


    She felt a little awkward suggesting and saying such words but she thought that it was still the best way


    to prevent Amelia from catching a cold.


    Lucian nodded approvingly. He looked at the peaceful sleeping face of Amelia and the expression on


    his face softened.


    Lily then went out to prepare the needed drink leaving the couple in the room. Not wasting any time for


    Amelia to feel cold with just a towel wrapped on her body, Lucian quickly helped her up to put on her


    fluffy pajamas. Afterwards, he held her tightly andfortably in his arms.


    He embraced her tightly to keep her warm throughout the night, cautiously waking up to check if her


    temperature was still stable and not rising up. Luckily, the night was peaceful as he continued to hold


    her body close to his. He didn''t know why, but the radiant smell of her body wash and the tenderness in


    her thin body aroused Lucian''s desire to protect her even more. The promise engraved deep in his


    heart as he slowly fell into slumber.


    When Amelia woke up, it was already the morning of the next day.


    Adjusting her eyes to the clear and bright surrounding as the sun rays seeped through the windows, a


    familiar face came into her sight. It was a handsome face which instantly made her face flush and her


    heart abnormally thump.


    However... How could he?


    "Ah!" Amelia''s scream cut off a certain good dream of the man beside her.


    The man''s face was creased as he opened his eyes slowly. A trace of displeased expression shed


    through his deep eyes. He looked at Amelia and inexplicably asked, "Are you sure you want to wake


    me up in this way?"


    Lucian then chuckled looking at Amelia''s shocked face. Feeling wronged, he hugged her tightly and


    didn''t want to let her go.


    Amelia felt dumbfounded. She was truly surprise as how she was sleeping with Lucian in the same


    bed, and his next movement flustered her even more. She felt that his hands were tightly wrapped


    around her waist, and her body was suddenly stered on his. Her face was almost forcibly pressed


    on his strong chest. This kind of intimate act made her heart beat faster in an instant. She dared not


    take a deep breath.


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    After a long time, a cold voice said above her, "Do you remember what happenedst night?"


    Last night... She drank beer, Courtney suddenly disappeared, she felt dizzy and then Lucian was


    coming... She thought hard and tried to recall the events that happened but she remembered


    something vaguely.


    "Yes, I do," she replied in a low voice. She knew she made a mistake. As soon as she realized that she


    had made a mistake, she hurriedly apologized, "I''m sorry. Because there was something wrong


    between Courtney and Kent, I apanied her..."


    "I didn''t sleep until five o''clock in the morning. I''m exhausted now. You''d better stay in my arms, or you''ll


    pay for it," Lucian cut her off and warned her coldly.


    He spoke each word in a firm tone, appearing as if he was really angry.


    "You didn''t sleep until five o''clock this morning?" Amelia was shocked and asked once more. She lifted


    her head and tried to get a good look at him. However, Lucian held her tightly that she couldn''t move a


    little.


    "Because of you," Lucian continued to speak in a cold voice, already on the verge of losing his


    patience. He then threatened, "Amelia, you''d better not say any words, or I will..."


    Naturally, Amelia understood what Lucian meant by his words. She wasn''t that stubborn enough to


    continue and provoke him. She shut her mouth and buried her head into his arms, as if a soldier was


    dodging the attack from a bomb.


    Burying her head in Lucian''s chest, Amelia was feeling guilty that she wouldn''t dare take a deep breath.


    But in time, she felt suffocated and couldn''t breathe well. She unconsciously took a deep breath and


    unfortunately, waked Lucian up.


    Luckily, Lucian didn''t say anything. He just moved to hug her closer and then continued to sleep. His


    breathing was slowed down once more as he was back to sleep.


    Amelia on the other hand, also wanted to stay in his arms obediently, but she was not used to this


    gesture. She tried to rxed herself but the point was that she couldn''t breathe smoothly...


    She had no idea that her small actions were like a restless kitten in Lucian''s arms, rubbing herself


    against him.


    On the other side, Lucian was now fully awake. Her little actions kept on pricking his senses to be


    completely awake once again. He opened his eyes and looked at her coldly. He then ordered, "Amelia,


    write a two-thousand-word self-criticism and give it to me before the dinner."


    Right after thest word, Lucian turned over to the other side and went back to sleep. Amelia was once


    more stupefied, eyes wide opened as she couldn''t believe what just happened!

 Chapter 66 A Five-thousand-word Self-criticism

    Chapter 66 A Five-thousand-word Self-criticism


    Two-thousand-word self-criticism! Nervousness wrecked Amelia as she sat upright immediately and


    whispered in a shaky voice, "Two-thousand-words? That''s too much!" She reasoned, "Besides, it is all


    about the writer''s sincerity which is being expressed in a self-criticism text. It shouldn''t matter on the


    word count."


    After listening to Amelia''s reasoning, Lucian got up and nced at her. Then he spoke curtly, "No


    Amelia, two-thousand-words is too little. If you''re talking about writer''s sincerity, then it can only be


    showed through a five-thousand-word self-criticism text."


    Soon after saying so, Lucian got off the bed. His face was devoid of any expression.


    Amelia eyed Lucian''s perfectly sculpted figure. Even with his pajama, he looked absolutely gorgeous.


    Although the warmth of his love made her feel at home every time he came closer, his daunting words


    hurt her heart deeply.


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    However she couldn''t dare disregard hismand. She had no nerve to displease him.


    While overthinking the unwanted situation, a dreading thought crossed her mind. If she didn''t ept


    the 5000 words now, there was a high risk that it''d end up in a 10000 words and that would probably


    wreck herpletely.


    She followed after him and got off of the bed. Which was when she reminded of Courtney. Her eyes


    went wide in concernment. She asked Lucian worriedly, "Lucian, where is Courtney?" Amelia felt


    absolutely irresponsible of her immature behavior. Instead of worrying about the most important thing,


    she was here squabbling with Lucian.


    Lucian fixed his annoyed stare on her. Amelia felt the warmth creeping up her cheeks. He must have


    been thinking of her carelessness. Lucian retorted, "I''m d that you aren''t a mother yet. Else, you


    might have lost her due to your naivety."


    Amelia''s brows rose and mouth gaped at the remark. Though she tried to mask her stupidity with an


    awkward smile.


    "She must have been up by now. She drank too muchst night." Lucian cocked a brow squarely at


    Amelia, seizing her top to bottom, then threw a warning gaze at her. "If someone is really fond of


    drinking, I can ask Darren to bring the best wine that has been collected and reserved by our family."


    Obviously these words were not for Courtney. These were addressed to her.


    Even though she pretended to be aggrieved after being called a drinker by Lucian, her heart denied to


    ept his use.


    However, she didn''t want to dispute his words openly. Because she had seen in the past how he


    reacted while being angry. He practically became a scary version of himself which Amelia absolutely


    didn''t want to bring back.


    "You don''t have to go to thepany today. Change your clothes, go downstairs and eat something,"


    with a quick nce at her, Lucian drawled in a t tone.


    "Uh ... okay!" She nodded obediently and obliged.


    After changing in to a fresh pair of clothes, Amelia went downstairs and saw both Lucian and Lily.


    However, to her disappointment, Courtney was nowhere in the sight. She asked out of unsuppressed


    curiosity, "Where is Courtney?"


    "Mrs. Amelia, Miss Courtney has already had her lunch. She was still feeling tired so she said she


    would sleep a little longer." Lily was the one to answer.


    "Well, that''s fine, I guess." Amelia understood Courtney''s avoidance. She was in a bad mood, and it''d


    have been for the best if she leave her alone for a while.


    Her eyes wandered toward Lucian and found him concentrating on his food quietly. She was sitting


    opposite to him. She picked the chopsticks intending to start eating.


    "Lily, please serve Mrs. Amelia a bowl of chicken soup first." By saying so, Lucian got back to eating


    and never once looked at Amelia.


    Amelia knew how much Lucian cared about her. She blushed at the thought while drinking from her


    chicken soup bowl.


    "Mrs. Amelia, you really scared Mr. Lucianst night." Lily took the empty bowl from Amelia as she


    beamed and informed her. Amelia felt her heartbeat rising. She was sure her cheeks must have taken


    a shade of pink by now.


    "Really?" Amelia lowered her eyes feeling ashamed suddenly.


    "Of course. You know what happened? Last night..."


    "Lily, if you''re devoid of any task right now, please go and call Frank. Ask him to meet me at the SJ


    Garden after lunch." Lily was immediately interrupted by Lucian before she could spill aboutst night''s


    events.


    Lily grinned at Amelia, her eyes glinting mischievously. She then went to the living room to call Frank.


    Amelia''s heart was beating rapidly. What had happenedst night which she hadpletely forgotten?


    She kept stealing shy nces at Lucian throughout eating. However, to the contrary, did not observed


    a single expression on his face. His face disyed only expression which she sometimes considered


    only suited his personality. It was cold, yet full of prowess.


    After the lunch was over, Frank came to meet Lucian. They discussed few official issues in a low voice


    before Lucian decided to leave to take care few of his obligations. However, before leaving he


    instructed Amelia in a stern voice, "I am going out to work. But aftering back I want your self-


    criticism right on my hand. So, do not go downstairs without prior finishing your self-criticism."


    Amelia recognized his cold tone. It was so familiar to Vernon, who used to scold her when she did her


    homework wrong. Lucian''s stern voice sent chills down her spine.


    Amelia pouted like a child at him and watched Lucian leave until she was left alone and with a dreading


    task to finish a five-hundred-word self-criticism.


    "Mrs. Amelia, finally I have a chance to talk to you. Do you remember anything aboutst night? Last


    night Mr. Lucian was so nice and caring to you!" As soon as Lucian left, Lily straight away came to her


    and blurted everything aboutst night with excitement. It was evident that she certainly couldn''t wait


    any longer.


    "Lily, before you tell me everything else, first answer this one question of mine. Were you the one who


    changed my clothesst night?" Since she left the restaurantst night, she had forgotten everything. It


    was just today, while she was changing her clothes, she noticed they were different than those from


    last night.


    "Of course, I''ll tell you Mrs. Amelia!" Lily giggled as she told Amelia everything in detail about what had


    happenedst night. She realized, it was Lucian who carried her into the room.


    "You mean to say... Lucian... changed my clothes?" Amelia sensed the warmth on her face. Her eyes


    went wide at the unexpected information. The palpitating tremors in her heart returned with full intensity


    when she envisioned what might have happenedst night.


    The vision of Lucian taking her clothes off of her and helping her get into new ones, shed before her


    eyes.


    Her face flushed at the thought. She realized the truth that she no more had any privacy regarding her


    body in front of Lucian.


    When they first met, he obviously had taken photos of her. But this... The color of her face took a shade


    of crimson.


    Amelia couldn''t imagine any further. She felt as if she was in a state of frenzy.


    "Mrs. Amelia, why are you so silent? This shows how extremely important you are to Mr. Lucian. He


    truly loves you so much." In Lily''s eyes, Lucian was a handsome perfect man. He was sessful and


    she really considered him as a thoughtful husband who loved his wife dearly.


    Lily saw nothing wrong in thest night''s events. She thought it was normal for couples. But she had no


    idea that Lucian and Amelia were barely falling in love with each other. They were still far from an all


    lovey-dovey couple.


    "Okay, I''m fine." Amelia could not do anything exceptpromising with her fate.


    "Mrs. Amelia, would you like some ginger soup now? Oh, did the ginger soup help youst night? Mr.


    Lucian had asked me to cook it for you. He has been looking after you the whole night," Lily chirped in.


    It was true thatst night Amelia was in a daze, but when she was held by a pair of strong arms, her


    own body betrayed her. The adrenaline rush had made her feel warm and cold at the same time while


    enclosing in those arms. She remembered being fed a drink by someone. It must have been the ginger


    soup which was mentioned by Lily.


    No wonder Lucian said he slept at 5 am.


    For some reason, she felt guiltier. She had been in a bad mood because the self-criticism of 5000


    words, but now she figured she really deserved to write it. Only because of her stupidity.


    Even after promising to Lucian she would not drink and eat spicy food, she did not keep her promise in


    both aspects.


    After drinking the ginger soup, Amelia was climbing the stairs to go to her room and write the self-


    criticism, but could not. She ran into Courtney who was going downstairs at the same time.


    "Courtney, you woke up? Are you feeling hungry? I can cook something for you." Amelia reached for


    Courtney and held her hands in an assuring way.


    Courtney was still in her pajamas. She didn''t evenbed her disheveled hair. Not even she washed


    her face or rinsed her mouth.


    She raised her eyelids and watched her indifferently. She looked dispirited. When she finally spoke, it


    was evident from her voice that how extremely upset she was. "Amelia, the more you care about me,


    the more I remember that I''m crossed in love."


    Her words made Amelia''s heart ache.


    "Go, wash your face and brush your teeth. I''ll get you some clothes and then we can have a stroll in the


    garden." Although Amelia already knew about the backyard in the beautiful SJ Garden, she never


    visited there more than once. There was a huge swimming pool and few pavilions which were suitable


    for having a rest and for calming down. She knew Courtney would feel good there.


    After getting changed, Courtney and Amelia visited the backyard. After spending some beautiful


    moments in the yard Courtney said, "Amelia, you must say something to Jasper when you see him


    next time."


    "Say what?" Amelia blurted at once. But then came to realize what she asked. She then said, "It''s all in


    the past. Whatever happened we cannot change it. I don''t take it to heart. Besides, I''m not angry at him


    anymore."


    "Yes, thank him for not marrying you and now you''re living such a rich and sweet life." Courtney


    although pretended being alright, but her eyes gave away her sadness. It made Amelia''s heart ache.


    Amelia noticed how Courtney avoided bringing up Kent and how she was hurting silently in her heart.


    Amelia didn''t know how tofort her. She reached for her and grabbed her hand softly. Then she said


    in aforting tone, "No matter what happens, always remember I''ll always be there for you."


    Courtney also reciprocated with exact same words. It was surprising, considering she recently had


    been crossed in love. Courtney had always been her best friend who willingly apanied her in


    drinking without a second thought. Now that Courtney herself was feeling the downfall in her love life,


    Amelia felt sad for her.


    "Don''t worry. Although I''m a girl, I can man up and deal with this situation. It''s not a big deal. And it


    definitely won''t stop me from eating and drinking." Courtney emphasized on herst words, pretending


    she was absolutely alright.


    Amelia knew that Courtney said these words only to make her feel better. However, she kept quiet and


    nodded in understanding.


    Courtney dialed her driver''s number asking him to pick her up from the SJ Garden.


    Because of Kent''s influence, Courtney had almost cut off the rtionship with her father. Now if she


    went back to her family, they would be so happy. After all, Courtney was the only child and letting her


    go away was definitely hard for her family.


    However, due to Courtney''s self-esteem, she immediately felt embarrassed after the call. But when the


    driver arrived to pick her up, she shifted her gaze down, without meeting Amelia''s eyes as she climbed


    in to the car. The driver ignited the engine and drove away without a second word. Amelia watched the


    car until distance obscured. She only hoped Courtney would feel better eventually.


    After sending Courtney away, Amelia went upstairs to her room to finish her self-criticism.


    An hour went by in a blink but she couldn''t proceed more than 1000 words. Moreover, all she could see


    was useless sentences and mistakes on her notebook that she had written for the past one hour. She


    bit on her tongue. How would she manage writing another four thousand words? Right now she had no


    idea.


    It wasn''t easy on the first ce to convince herself to write the self-criticism text, but it was even more


    difficult to write so many words.


    The entire evening slipped away in writing and eventually the dinner time was almost there. When she


    heard the doorbell, the tremors in her palpitating heart returned with full force. Lucian! Amelia bolted up


    immediately, with the pen still in her hand. A dreadful expression crossed her face.


    ''I could only show my good attitude, otherwise my unfinished self-criticism would definitely screw me


    up!'' she thought to herself.


    She only hoped that Lucian would be generous toward her.


    "Where is the self-criticism?" When Lucian entered the bedroom, his very first question was about the


    self-criticism.


    Amelia quietly extended the self-criticism to Lucian while apologizing with hesitation, "I''m sorry... I... I


    couldn''t write enough words..."


    It was true that she found that writing it was more difficult than writing her graduation thesis. Now she


    was really scared of Lucian''s next action. If he got enraged now, she would be terribly punished.


    In the past two months, from what she had seen and understood about him, she could tell what kind of


    person he was. She better not expect anything generous from him. All she did was waiting for him to


    say something.


    Her handwriting was although neat but few of the words were covered in ink drops. However, it was


    evident how carefully she had written them.


    Lucian although looked cold and expressionless, he epted the self-criticism. After a short moment


    he threw his unrelenting stare at her and enunciated, "You haven''t even achieved half of the required


    words. What were you thinking while showing it to me?"


    It was hard to tell whether he was angry or not from his tone, but his cold stare made her heart beat


    fast. His husky voice alone was enough to frighten her.


    Amelia nervously fidgeted with her fingers. And after a silent moment, she cast her eyes down and


    asked almost in a whisper, "Do you want me to cook for a month as a punishment?"


    Lucian''s unwavering gaze cruised Amelia''s figure from top to bottom as he drawled, "Isn''t it normal for


    a wife to cook for her husband? How is that a punishment?"

 Chapter 67 Im Not Quite Familiar With You

    Chapter 67 I''m Not Quite Familiar With You


    ''Yes, it was. But I''m not your personal cook,'' Ameliained to herself.


    "Amelia, you really are a cunning woman!" Lucian was amused by the cute look on her face. In the


    past, Amelia always followed the orders given to her. Now, she was bing resourceful. She learned


    to look beyond instructions and find alternative ways to get things done. This way of getting along really


    added a little fun to her boring life.


    "If I did have a bad idea, I would have asked Lily to help me write the self-criticism," she answered


    without hesitation.


    "Although you didn''t ask Lily for help, you managed to think of something like that. Do you still want to


    deny that it''s not a bad idea?" With his eyes closed a little, Lucian looked at her and said.


    She had thought about this when she really didn''t know what to write after finishing a whopping 1,000


    words.


    In fact, Lucian just blurted it out to remind Amelia. After all, it was very dangerousst night. Why


    couldn''t she understand?


    "Don''t you know you were druggedst night?" Having said this, Lucian couldn''t help but frown.


    "What do you mean drugged?" Hearing this, she could not help but tremble. Her mind instantly sped


    back to the things that transpired the night before. Last night, she had a fever all over and her heart


    tingled very much. It turned out that she was drugged!


    Even the manager of the hot pot restaurant took advantage of that moment and also touched her.


    Fortunately, her will was strong enough to protect herself, otherwise she would have been tricked by


    the bad man.


    It was no wonder Courtney said she didn''t know the manager of the hot pot restaurant at all.


    Amelia had to admit she was a simple-minded woman.


    "Amelia, everyone in this city knows that you are my wife. But you still get drunk in public. You''re really


    something!" Lucian couldn''t help but berate her.


    "That''s right. It''s not so easy being Mrs. Amelia." Amelia pouted and said.


    "What did you say?" Lucian frowned. He approached Amelia to confirm if he heard her clearly.


    "Well... nothing." Amelia didn''t realize she had said something that was out of bounds. She immediately


    wore a look of fear when she saw the coldness on Lucian''s face. She''d better not say it again to him.


    "Amelia, you are not acting as Mrs. Amelia anymore!" Lucian then added, "You are my wife!"


    She thought she was just acting as Mrs. Amelia! It hadn''t really dawned on her yet that the entire act


    was now a reality. Lucian was filled with fury.


    Stunned by what he said, Amelia simply nodded.


    She just blurted it out and didn''t mean anything else at all. In all honesty, she took Lucian as her


    husband so she said it with a hint of yfulness. Even if she was well aware of what she said, she still


    wanted to make fun of him asionally.


    "I''m sorry. I shouldn''t have drunkst night." She grabbed his arm and said apologetically.


    "Are you throwing a tantrum?" Instantaneously, Lucian''s mood lightened. But he still showed a poker


    face to Amelia.


    "I can do it if you really like. But I am not good at it. I might disgust you!" Amelia said seriously.


    Lucian rolled his eyes at her. He couldn''t help but smile when he remembered how Amelia said she


    was hotst night.


    Seeing himugh, Amelia asked with confusion, "What are youughing at?"


    "Last night, someone said on the phone that she missed me and threw herself to me. What''s more, she


    even took off her clothes in front of me. It seemed that someone had totally forgotten about it." Lucian


    deliberately exaggerated in an attempt to frighten her.


    Amelia thought for a while. She did tell Lucian on the phone she missed him. But did she threw herself


    to him and take off her clothes in front of him?


    She looked at Lucian doubtfully and realized he was staring at her as if she was a joke.


    "Lucian, please don''t take it the wrong way. I was drugged. I couldn''t think straight. I''m usually not that


    bold!" Amelia corrected him at once, her face burning with shame.


    "I did not understand it in a wrong way. I was a gentleman all throughout I removed your hands and put


    you into the cold water to sober you up." Unconsciously, Lucian argued with Amelia and made a lot of


    statements, which was beyond ordinary.


    "I..." Amelia was too nervous to say a word. After a long silence, she said, "You even took off my


    clothesst night!"


    Sheined as if she had suffered a great loss.


    Seeing that she was pissed off, Lucian couldn''t help smiling. He said in a normal tone, "As your


    husband, isn''t it normal?"


    After saying that, he stared at her with his deep eyes and pretended to be indifferent. However, the


    appearance of Amelia who lost consciousnessst night kept recurring in his mind.


    This woman sometimes looked like a fool, and sometimes she was very feminine.


    "Of course it isn''t normal!" Amelia raised her voice and said warily, "We are not at all familiar with each


    other yet."


    After saying that, her heart trembled, thinking the words she said without any hesitation easily made


    others think in a wrong way.


    With a serious look on his face, Lucian stared at Amelia and seemed to be thinking about something.


    Noticing the person on the other side was extremely quiet, Amelia became more frightened and


    worried. When she was about to exin, Lucian came over all of a sudden. He looked at her closely


    with his thin lips open and said coldly, "We really need to do something intimate so that we can be


    familiar with each other."


    His words made Amelia''s face blush and her heart beat faster.


    As Lucian''s face got closer and closer to her, the minty scent on his body immediately swept over her


    entire nose. Her heart clenched and jumped swiftly in irregr beats.


    What he meant made her think a lot. She felt a little uneasy to the bottom of her heart. Looking at his


    handsome face in panic, she was infatuated and afraid.


    With an evil smile, Lucian reached out a hand around Amelia''s neck and the other on her slender waist.


    His eyes were always cold and unruly.


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    With her eyes blinking nervously, Amelia wondered what Lucian was going to do!


    Seeing that Lucian was about to get down, Amelia was scared and pushed him away immediately. She


    said with a serious and surprised tone, "Lucian, are you crazy?"


    She cursed as though she was in a hurry.


    Looking at a now furious Amelia, Lucian put on a cold smile and said, "What a boring woman!"


    After that, Lucian turned around and walked out of the bedroom, leaving Amelia standing there in a


    daze.


    At dinner time, when Amelia went downstairs, she didn''t see Lucian. Lily said that he was out and


    wouldn''te home tonight.


    Somehow, Amelia''s heart sank all of a sudden when she heard what Lily said. She began to regret that


    she had annoyed him again.


    But why did he get angry again and this time, didn''t have ns ofing back home?


    Sitting at the table and looking at the dishes she liked, Amelia lost her appetite and wondered why


    Lucian was angry.


    "Mrs. Amelia, why don''t you eat?" Sitting opposite to Amelia, Lily could see she was unhappy. Lily


    smiled and said, "If you are bored, I can have lunch with you."


    Lily''s warm disposition didn''t fail to make her feel deeply touched. She nodded at her with a smile.


    "Lily, you are a good cook." No matter how unhappy she was, Amelia knew she couldn''t let others feel


    the same way.


    Lilyughed, and then continued, "The dishes you made are really delicious. Even Mr. Lucian praised


    your cooking!"


    As far as Lily knew, any dish praised by Lucian was sure to be prepared for the gods and it was a great


    honor to get his praise.


    The topic returned to Lucian, and Amelia was anxious about him again.


    She looked at Lily in confusion and asked, "Lily, it seems that I have made Lucian angry yet again..."


    Sometimes, she would talk about her heart''s inhibitions to Lily. There were only three of them in the


    vi. If Lucian wasn''t there, Lily would be the only one to keep herpany.


    "Mrs. Amelia, you didn''t do it on purpose. You had no intention of hurting him. Mr. Lucian will


    understand." Lilyforted her with a smile.


    Of course she didn''t mean it. She just pissed him off and said they didn''t know each other a lot.


    Why did she feel she hurt him by saying that when she had already calmed down in the first ce? But


    it was not what her heart was saying.


    "How about I call him and ask him? Is that a good idea?" She wanted to ask Lucian if he wanted to go


    hometer so she could apologize and make amends.


    After handing in the self-criticism letter with 5000 words, she would apologize again as though she was


    someone who always made mistakes.


    "Of course you can make a call. Maybe Mr. Lucian wille back soon." Lily agreed with her and said


    in a ridiculed tone, "Mr. Lucian is a proud man. If you can save his face, he will be happy."


    Although Lily was only twenty years old, she was good at dealing with conflicts between lovers.


    Amelia left the table, holding her phone in her hands and dialed Lucian''s number. Her heart tightened


    while she waited for him to answer.


    When he finally picked up, Lucian asked in a mellow voice, "What''s up?"


    He said coldly and she knew he was really angry.


    Amelia wanted to give Lucian a piece of her mind. She thought, ''Lucian, as a man, do you have to be


    so sensitive?''


    But on second thought, she was here to apologize, so she suppressed her anger.


    "Do you have any ns tonight? If not and if it''s okay with you, I want youe home early. And I''ll


    wait for you at home." She repeated what she just said in her head and thought of it as disgusting.


    She felt as though she was talking to herself.


    The person on the other end of the line was silent. The silence was deafening. Just when Amelia


    thought Lucian wouldn''t answer her, he said calmly, "I''ll be home soon."


    Getting his positive response, Amelia didn''t frown any longer. She smiled with joy and said lightly,


    "Okay then. Drive safe."


    Just a few moments ago, she was full of resentment. Now she felt sweet, as if she had eaten honey.


    "Mrs. Amelia, is Mr. Lucianing back?" Lily knew the answer to her question as she saw the smile


    on Amelia''s face.


    Amelia nodded satisfactorily and pouted at once. "But I''m so nervous."


    Was she hinting at Lucian by saying that?


    By thinking of it over and over again, she felt like she was flirting with him.

 Chapter 68 Get Closer

    Chapter 68 Get Closer


    "Nervous?" Lily walked over to Amelia, noticing the awkwardness that hovered around her. "You and


    Mr. Lucian are a couple. What are you nervous about?" she asked, her tone belying her confusion


    despite her friendly smile.


    Amelia felt her cheeks warm with her words. Did Lily know? "Lily, you¡­" she stated nervously. "Even


    you know it?"


    "You care about him. That much is clear to me. If I may be so bold to say this, I think that a little more


    honesty from the both of you would carry your feelings across to the other," Lily expressed her thoughts


    earnestly.


    Amelia felt her shoulders rx. Lily was right, but it was one thing to know, and another to actually


    express it through actions. It would take her a lot of courage to take a step forward.


    At this point, she remembered Jasper and the time they spent together. Five years was a long time.


    One would think that in this period, they would have already familiar to each other as breathing, like the


    way old couples finish each other''s sentences. It should have been that way, but even with that length


    of time, it was as if there was hesitation in her that she could not ce. The two of them had shared


    kisses, but it never seemed to go any further than that. Looking back now, she was not entirely sure


    she wanted that with him.


    Half an hourter, Lucian came back home. Amelia thoughtfully took his bag and asked him if he had


    already eaten. If he hadn''t yet, she would go straight to making dinner for him.


    For a moment, Lucian was taken aback. Then, he replied, "There was a sudden meeting. It had been a


    hell of a day. I haven¡¯t even realized that I haven''t eaten yet until you asked. Dinner sounds nice, thank


    you."


    Then, he went to the living room and sat down.


    ''So he was having a meeting...'' Amelia thought. ''Thank god, he was not angry because of me.'' She felt


    relieved now, ncing at his furrowed brows.


    Just then, a thought urred to her. Right. Dinner. She could try to at least relieve his stress with good


    food. With a newfound determination, she went to the kitchen and busied herself with cooking, all the


    while thinking of him.


    Lucian had lied. He knew that Amelia had picked up on his sour mood. He had deliberately made up an


    excuse about a meeting so as not to make her feel guilty, but the truth was, he was brooding about


    something that was far from work.


    The words that she said kept reying themselves in his mind. ''We are not familiar with each other.'' He


    threw a nce towards the direction of the kitchen where he heard the telltale sounds of cooking. The


    two of them had been living under the same roof for two months now, and they were a couple. Why did


    she say that they were not very familiar with each other?


    Soon enough, dinner was ready and Amelia sat opposite Lucian as they ate together.


    "You¡¯re a wonderful cook," he praised. With a cheeky grin, she replied, "Why thank you, Mr. Lucian."


    Meanwhile, Lily had quietly retreated to her own room to give the two of them their space. Their voices


    were the only sound that echoed in the spacious house.


    When they had finished, Lucian offered to wash the dishes, but was quickly stopped by Amelia. She


    snatched the bowls from his hand and said, "We are rich, but I''d feel bad for the dishes if they break."


    Lucian frowned. He knew what Amelia meant, and truthfully he knew that he had noeback and that


    it was his loss this time. He didn''t insist and leaned against the kitchen door instead, watching as she


    cleaned the tes and tableware.


    Even with the knowledge that he was watching her, she was still doing things like no one else was


    there. Her attention waspletely absorbed in her task. Lucian couldn''t help but find her rxed air


    somewhat charming.


    Now he understood what people meant when they said that a woman was most attractive when she


    was serious. At this moment, Lucian strongly agreed. He could go on for hours just watching her like


    this.


    "Mrs. Amelia, are we going to sleep in different rooms tonight?" Lucian asked when she was done. He


    was standing at the staircase, as if waiting for her to decide which direction he would go to next.


    Amelia was dazed for a moment at his question. Suddenly, she remembered that he had changed her


    clothesst night and her face was immediately on fire. In a small voice, she answered, "Whatever is


    fine..."


    Lucian could barely contain himself as he gazed at her flushed face and her downcast eyes. She said it


    as if she was letting him decide.


    ''This woman will be the death of me,'' he thought to himself. He walked up to her and took her hands,


    waiting until she raised her eyes to meet his and said seriously, "Don''t think too much about it. Feelings


    can be tended to so that they grow day by day."


    Then, Lucian went into the bedroom.


    Amelia stood motionless, mulling over Lucian''s words. Then, she followed him into the bedroom.


    The sound of water filled the room as she entered, and she knew that Lucian was washing up. Her


    heart pounded in her chest as the image of them sleeping on the same bed came to her mind.


    The room instantly felt warmer. She was being strange. Why was she thinking of such things?


    After some time, Lucian came out of the bathroom and almost stopped at the sight of Amelia. He had


    not expected her toe to his room. Gathering himself, he wiped his wet hair with a towel and asked


    calmly, "Why don''t youe to bed?"


    "Uh..."


    Amelia uttered stupidly, standing in embarrassment. She couldn''t move. It was nearly ten o''clock. If this


    was any other night, Amelia would have been reading a magazine on her bed until she felt sleepy, but


    this was not one of those evenings. Instead, she was with Lucian in his bedroom, trying very hard not


    to look at the muscles that were teasingly revealed to her from the gap of his bathrobe. She was at a


    loss of what to do next. From a brief moment, she was seized with a strong desire to run to her own


    room and bury herself under her own covers.


    "Yes?" It was impossible for Lucian not to notice her awkwardness. He walked up to her and looked at


    her face, her cheeks almost burning crimson red.


    Amelia raised her head. As their eyes met, she felt her heart double its pace.


    "You¡­ you asked if I wanted to sleep in another room," she stuttered. "We are a couple now. If we


    sleep in different bedrooms all the time, it might put distance between us..."


    After saying that, she could no longer bear to look into his eyes and flicked her gaze away. She had run


    out of boldness for tonight. Her heart was hammering in her chest and she prayed that he didn''t hear it.


    Lucian smiled softy and raised her chin to make their eyes meet once more. "Look, Amelia. It''s not as


    complicated as you think. I will always respect your decision whatever it will be."


    There was no doubt in Amelia''s mind that Lucian would never force her against her will.


    "I understand." She nodded as she blushed a shade deeper. "I''m going to wash up."


    Lucian followed her with his eyes, aplicated smile on his lips.


    Amelia usually finished her shower half an hour, and today she stared at herself in the mirror for a long


    time after, so all in all it took up a whole hour before she slowly walked out of the bathroom.


    Lucian was beginning to be afraid that the air in the bathroom might make her dizzy...


    As he stood up, Amelia walked out in a cartoon fur pajama with water still dripping from the ends of her


    hair.


    Lucian sighed and walked to her. Taking a dry towel, he led her to the dressed and said in a deep


    voice, "You have to dry your hair properly at night, or you''ll have a headache in the morning."


    Amelia was all too familiar with what Lucian was saying. She always washed her hair in the evening but


    ended up falling asleep without properly drying her hair off. In the morning, her head would feel heavy,


    but she never took it seriously. As Lucian gently tended to her, a warm feeling crept in her chest. She


    felt incredibly cherished.


    His fingers were handling her so delicately as his eyes watched her, full of affection.


    When her hair waspletely dry, he pointed to the quilt on the bed and said, "I''ve brought two quilts."


    "Okay," Amelia replied stiffly. Her cheeks were burning once again as she walked to the side of the bed


    and put the two quilts together. Then, she slipped into them as if no one was around.


    "Are you cold? I''ll raise the temperature if you want," Lucian said, looking confused.


    Hearing this, Amelia was close to bursting. ''Lucian! I''ve gone farther than I ever have tonight. Why are


    you so stupid? You''re supposed to be the smart one Mr. Top-Notch-Businessman!"


    Amelia turned off the lights. In an instant, the room was pitch-ck, but even the darkness was not


    enough to cover the awkward atmosphere in the room.


    Under the covers, she cursed herself for her rash behavior. ''Great, Amelia. He''s going to lose his


    temper now, stupid.'' She clutched the quilt nervously as she felt a dip in her side. There was the smell


    of mint. Amelia closed her eyes, waiting¡­


    But Lucian made no move at all.


    "Have a good night," he said in a low and deep voice that seemed to be magnified by the darkness. It


    was all it took for Amelia to feel at ease and calm her worries.


    "Good night. Have a nice dream," she answered, moving closer to him instinctively.


    Lucian felt here closer and thought that she wanted him to hold her in his arms. He reached out a


    hand and said softly, "Come here."


    "Hmmm?" Amelia was confused, but moved towards Lucian obediently.


    He wrapped his arm around and tucked her head in his chest. Amelia cuddled up against Lucian like a


    little cat that wanted attention.


    She was nervous at first, but the rhythm of his heartbeat soon lulled her.


    It was dawn when she woke up, still wrapped in Lucian''s arms. She nuzzled himzily and kept her


    eyes closed until she was fully awake.


    "Good morning," Lucian murmured, his voice still hoarse from sleep.


    "Good morning." She smiled as she returned his greeting shyly. As she was getting out of bed, Lucian''s


    arms tightened around her.


    She squirmed in his embrace, but her strength was no match for his. "Lucian, you have to let me go or


    you''ll bete for work," she chastised him.


    Lucian didn''t even bother to move and instead just teased her, "You don''t have really take long to get


    ready, Mrs. Amelia. Why are you in such a hurry?"


    Was heughing at her because she didn''t usually doll herself up?


    "Oh, I''m sorry, Mr. Lucian. I didn''t know you liked cosmetics. If you want them so much, I can give you a


    fewrge of boxes of them. Knock yourself out, but leave me out of it," she retorted.


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    Lucian was grinning now. He opened his eyes and kissed her on the forehead. "Mrs. Amelia, you''re a


    natural beauty. You look beautiful even with no make-up at all."


    "I didn''t know you had such a way with words too," Amelia answered jokingly to cover up her


    embarrassment at hispliment.


    "Do you want me to let you go?" Lucian hugged her tighter. Amelia could feel his faint breath.


    "You''re always on time. But now you are going to bete if you keep this up," she said.


    The next moment, Lucian was leaning over and said shamelessly, "Kiss me, and I''ll let you go."


    "Why you!" Amelia protested.


    "You wouldn''t want me to lose face, would you? Now hurry it up. The seconds are running," Lucian


    smiled devilishly at her very offended expression.


    Seeing that she had been cornered with no way out, Amelia gave Lucian a quick kiss on the face.


    The next moment, she felt his hand at the back of her head as he deepened and prolonged the kiss.


    "Don''t worry. We can be a littlete today." It was some time before Lucian raised his head.


    "Why?" Amelia asked. She immediately got out of bed and looked for clothes in the wardrobe.


    "I''m going to an opening ceremony today. You''ll be going with me," Lucian replied as he got up to get


    dressed.


    Amelia turned around but was met with Lucian''s naked body. A scream came from her before she


    could stop it and she turned back around at once.


    Seeing her reaction, Lucian raised his eyebrows. He finished dressing and said, "I''m your husband.


    Why are you so surprised?"

 Chapter 69 Husband Singing, Wife Accompanying

    Chapter 69 Husband Singing, Wife Apanying


    Amelia''s face turned red, gripping the clothes in her hand. She raised her head to see an empty space


    in front of her, and her shoulders rxed. It seemed Lucian had finally decided to leave her alone. She


    changed her clothes without hesitation.


    Even though Lucian was her husband, she wouldn''t aspire to see him naked. She lowered her head in


    embarrassment, remembering his toned body.


    Lucian was chewing a morsel of his food when he heard someone''s footsteps. He raised his eyes to


    see Amelia walking downstairs and pushed her te toward her seat. "Eat this, or else you''ll feel


    dizzy."


    Amelia frowned at that. "Is it going to be a long journey?" Lucian nodded. It was far from downtown.


    "Nearly an hour." He paused for a moment before casting a serious nce at her. "It''s better if you stay


    at home because of your car sickness."


    Although he wanted to be with her, he wouldn''t let her feel any distress. Amelia just smiled at him and


    continued to eat, silently answering that she wouldn''t stay at home.


    Lucian took the car keys and walked out of the front door with Amelia tailing behind him. She had to run


    to catch up to him.


    Her breathing was heavy by the time they reached the car. "Can you stop for a moment? I''m


    exhausted."


    Lucian rolled his eyes at her. "I never forced you to run after me." He opened the door, gesturing for her


    to enter.


    Amelia''s tired body fell on the passenger seat like a sack of wheat.


    Lucian got in and ignited the engine. "You''ll see many curves ahead. I''ll drive slowly, okay?" His voice


    was gentle, spammed with love and concern.


    Amelia nodded and closed her eyes. She thought sleeping would be the best idea. Lucian''s face


    shed in front of her, making her eyes open in an instant. Even if he was right beside her, his face still


    enchanted her mind.


    She peeped at Lucian from the corner of her eye, feeling warm-hearted.


    He could feel her eyes on him, and his lips lifted to form a pleasant smile. "What''s wrong?" Lucian


    asked in a calm voice, focusing his eyes on the road.


    Amelia''s heart jumped, and she lowered her head. How could she say that she liked staring at him?


    "Do you want me to y something?" Lucian didn''t know what she was thinking. Instead, he felt that


    Amelia might be bored.


    Before he could press the button, Amelia reached the yer and browsed through the list, selecting a


    slow English song.


    Lucian raised his eyebrows and looked at her. "Good choice. Your English seems to be better than


    mine."


    Amelia''s face turned dark after hearing his appreciating tone. Was it appropriate to judge her by the


    choices she made? He wouldn''t have said that if he knew the truth.


    Back when she was in school, English was her weakness. Yet, she would listen to English songs


    without understanding what the lyrics meant. She was still not fluent in English.


    Amelia sat back and closed her eyes. The music added a hint of romance in the air.


    Amelia nced at Lucian again, feeling warm in her heart.


    The car made several turns on the road. She was so engrossed in thinking of Lucian that she didn''t feel


    dizzy.


    Lucian knew that she was staring at him, but he didn''t dare to say anything. To be honest, he could


    have asked Frank to drive it, but he took the steering wheels in his hands to give Amelia some space.


    He took another turn, and the car faced an uneven road ahead. Amelia gripped his arm and shot at him


    an anxious nce. Would he be able to handle driving through such a road?


    Just a few momentster, Amelia found her answer. Lucian was a good driver. She watched him


    turning the wheels several times. A surprise was glinting in her eyes.


    "Close your eyes if you are afraid." Lucian ignored her sparkling eyes, speaking in a worried tone.


    She shook her head and said sweetly, "I''m not afraid." ''It''s because I feel safe with you¡­'' Amelia


    lowered her head in embarrassment. She couldn''t say it out loud.


    An hourter, they arrived at the destination.


    Amelia looked around and smiled. The calming environment of the woods and nature made her feel


    blissful. The only thing that upset her was the deserted construction site.


    "Mr. Lucian, I sincerely apologize for the trouble." A middle-aged man''s face brightened up after seeing


    Lucian.


    Lucian shook his head. "You have worked hard for the Zhan Group. It''s my duty to pay you a visit." He


    wore a smile on his face and walked up to the workers, sticking out his hand for greeting.


    One of the workers hesitated before approaching Lucian. "Mr. Lucian, it''s better not to shake hands.


    We might make you dirty."


    Lucian didn''t mind it at all. The workers ended up shaking their hands with Lucian, smiling brightly at


    his pleasant attitude. "Mr. Lucian, we promise to work hard!"


    Seeing their enthusiasm, Lucian''s smile widened. He turned to face Amelia and said, "Mrs. Amelia, the


    opening ceremony was just an excuse. I wanted you to see the base."


    Amelia nodded. These people would work even in the freezing climate. She looked at the workers in


    appreciation, greeting them with a sincere bow.


    Happiness flooded her heart after seeing the basic for the first time ever since Lucian told her about it.


    The workers'' eyes shone in excitement after seeing how well Lucian treated Amelia. They said in


    unison, "Good morning, Mrs. Amelia."


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    Amelia''s eyes opened wide in surprise. "Good morning!"


    "Mr. Lucian, your wife is as polite as you to visit us without any hesitation!" a worker eximed.


    Lucian''s eyes glistened with pride. He gazed at the workers and smiled. "This ce will be famous in


    the future even though it''s deserted now."


    "I don''t think it''s deserted. I love the beautiful scenery of mountains and rivers. Many tourists wille


    here for a vacation after development." Amelia preferred clear streams and fresh air than the city.


    The corners of Lucian''s lips curved up. "I didn''t expect you to be this smart." His voice was dripped with


    sarcasm.


    "What? That was so mean!" Amelia pouted and looked away.


    In the workers'' eyes, it was a sign of love. They looked at the couple enviously.


    Lucian wanted to take the safety helmet from the workers. His serious nce swept over Amelia. "Stay


    here, and don''t run around."


    His tone was stern as if he was talking to a child.


    Amelia nodded and stared at him for a moment. The equipment seemed to enhance his


    handsomeness to the extreme. A blush crept on her cheeks, and she averted her eyes.


    Lucian went with a group of workers to the base. Amelia didn''t want to be idle either. She looked


    around and found a row of low-end buildings. The smoke was flowing out from the roof.


    She walked closer and caught sight of middle-aged women squatted on the ground, washing the


    vegetables. They presented her with a curious nce.


    "Hello, everyone!" Amelia''s voice was soft and low.


    "Who are you?" An elder woman stood up and stared at Amelia with interest. "Are you here to cook?"


    The dressing sense of Amelia was simple, and she instead looked like someone working with them.


    That was what thedy thought.


    Amelia didn''t deny it. She asked with a smile, "Aunt, can I help you?"


    The construction site had hundreds of workers, and a lot of people were needed to cook the meal.


    "I do. Please,e and sit here!" The woman smiled happily, cing a chair for Amelia beside her.


    "Young girl, why do you work here?" The women around Amelia couldn''t help but look at the young girl


    in confusion. Such a beautiful young girl shouldn''t work at a construction site.


    Amelia''s cheeks reddened in embarrassment because of their gaze. She smiled at them and got back


    to work.


    Others looked at her in admiration and worked even harder.


    After cleaning the vegetables, Amelia headed over to cook.


    Women hesitated before handing the kitchen over to Amelia. How could a young girl like her cook food


    for hundreds of workers? They reluctantly agreed only to be amazed by Amelia''s skills. In a short time,


    she cooked many major dishes.


    Only Amelia knew how hard she had worked with them. She even started sweating after only a few


    dishes.


    The turner she used was as big as the shovels in the construction site. She had to use a lot of energy


    to pull it once, making her exhausted.


    "Youngdy, please take this and wipe your sweat," ady said in a worried tone. Amelia could see a


    towel in the woman''s hand. She thanked the woman and presented her with a gentle smile.


    Just as Amelia was about to use the towel, she paused and gazed at it for a moment. A scene from her


    childhood shed in her mind when her mother, Iris, had given her a towel for wiping the sweat.


    "Youngdy, you cook so well! Who taught you?" A voice snapped Amelia out of her thoughts, and she


    looked at the curious woman.


    Others whispered simr words, making Amelia the center of attention.


    Amelia stretched her lips to form an awkward smile. "It was my mother."


    Her face went gloomy when she thought of her mother. A month before she passed away, Amelia was


    forced to cook and wash clothes. Back then, Amelia had hated such an arrangement. She hadn''t


    thought of focusing on anything other than studying. Iris had done everything in her power to ignite


    enthusiasm in Amelia''s heart.


    She only realized the intention behind Iris''s actions a monthter. At that time, Iris left the world forever,


    making Amelia independent.


    Several whispers came from some women when a handsome man entered the kitchen. It snapped


    Amelia out of her thoughts. She turned around to stare at the man. It was Lucian wearing a ck


    suit.

 Chapter 70 The Urge To Have A Baby

    Chapter 70 The Urge To Have A Baby


    "Let''s wee the CEO and his wife with a warm round of apuse!" The middle-aged man in front


    led the apuse by getting up enthusiastically and pping his hands to which the rest followed suit¡ª


    a round of apuse bursting in the room.


    The crowd started buzzing amongst themselves. Mostly, they talked about who the mysterious young


    lady of the Zhan Group was¡ªshe was dressed so simply and mostly kept to herself.


    "We''re so sorry for the short-sightedness that we didn''t recognize you. Please ept our apology." A


    woman came up and bowed to Amelia guiltily.


    Amelia immediately pulled her up, frowning. She said sincerely, "I don''t mind! It''s fine. Don''t think about


    it. It''s not a big deal."


    Amelia had never wanted to be treated as the superior Mrs. Amelia and she didn''t want to be judged


    for it.


    "She is kind and nice. You don''t have to be so restrained," after a while, Lucian finally spoke. He


    dragged her to his side and looked at her affectionately.


    "Mr. Lucian, Mrs. Amelia did all the cooking. She even helped us to pick the ingredients and cut the


    vegetables. You''d be hard-pressed to find such a good wife like her." Perhaps it was Lucian''s words


    that made the women feel a bit morefortable. They spoke highly of Amelia and seemed sincere in


    their words.


    The rest of women followed suit inplimenting Amelia. They all collectively thought that she was a


    good and capable woman. Amelia had to make do with the circumstances despite having to cook for a


    lot of people. It surprised them that she was able to do it.


    Amelia flushed in the face of all thepliments she was receiving, lowering her head bashfully.


    A faint smile yed on the corner of Lucian''s mouth while his eyes gleamed in pride.


    N?velDrama.Org exclusive content.


    "I want to try the food you cooked," Lucian whispered in Amelia''s ear, his voice low and deep.


    Amelia was just nning to stay for lunch and since Lucian already brought it up, she was saved from


    the hassle of having to ask.


    The food smelled great. Everyone was excited to dig in.


    While Amelia was normally closed off and shy, this time, she was willing to socialize with the people


    here.


    As they ate, Lucian would put food in Amelia''s bowl all the while thanking her for all her hard work.


    Even though Lucian spoke in a low voice, everyone was all ears. They exchanged knowing nces


    which made Amelia feel ufortable.


    "Enjoy your meal," she murmured before devouring the food in her bowl.


    During the meal, Amelia received a lot of praise from the guests. They spoke highly of Amelia''s cooking


    skills,menting how lucky Lucian was to have her as his wife.


    Amelia responded to all the praises with a kind smile.


    After lunch, Amelia decided to go out for a walk. She felt a little dizzy. Luckily, just as she was about to


    fall, a strong arm swooped in and saved her.


    With his eyes narrowed, Lucian asked Amelia in a reprimanding tone, "You just had lunch. What are


    you doing out here?"


    His tone was light and sounded more concerned than anything.


    Amelia replied calmly, "I figured I''d go for a walk since I just ate and I don''t want to get a stomach


    ache."


    Amelia pouted like a little girl, looking adorable.


    Lucian thought this was a reasonable answer so he pointed to another direction and said, "There''s a


    fish pond over there. You can head that way and have a look. The road there is smoother too."


    "What about you?" she prodded.


    "I have a meetingter," Lucian answered, frowning as it seemed like he wanted to stay.


    Amelia responded, "Go to your meeting. I''ll head to the fish pond."


    Lucian smiled with relief and said, "Mrs. Amelia, thank you for your understanding."


    Amelia felt warm in her heart but she still teased him on purpose. "Well, what can I do? I''d also prefer


    to have my walk alone."


    Lucian smiled but didn''t say anything anymore. He understood what she meant.


    Since construction was still going on, the fish pond was unfinished. Still, the water was clear enough to


    see the bottom of the pond.


    Amelia sat down on the edge of the fish pond. The red koi dispersed, dancing happily in the clear


    water. The ck koi looked powerful in their armors.


    As Amelia watched the fishes, she felt a sense of contentment in her heart, feeling peaceful and


    rxed.


    Just as she was enjoying the view, Lucian then returned and sat down beside her. He nced at her


    first before turning his attention to the fish pond. In a gentle voice, he asked, "Did you see the fish?"


    "You scared them away." The moment Lucian sat down, all the koi fish scattered.


    Lucian then helplessly put on an apologetic smile. "Let''s go?"


    The weather was gloomy but it had now been reced with the sunshine.


    Amelia looked up at the sky. When she saw the ray of sunshine beaming through the dark clouds, she


    sighed, "We can''tin about the sun. Just look at how hard it has shone on the ground by


    prating the thick dark clouds."


    She always thought that sun shining during winter was useless but at that moment, she didn''t feel the


    same way.


    "Why are you sighing like that?" Lucian looked at her, confused.


    "I don''t know. You took me here so I could enjoy the view but for some reason, it made me emotional."


    Amelia was thinking how hard life was for everyone. She thought how behind amazing things were


    hardships. If it weren''t for the hard work of these construction workers, she wouldn''t be able to enjoy


    this beautiful view of the city.


    "My wife is a kind child." He reached out his hand and stroked her head.


    "I''m not a kid." She pushed his hand away.


    Instead of getting angry or offended, Lucian only had tenderness and love in his eyes.


    When they left the construction site, it was almost the time for dinner. Daytime during winter was short


    ¡ªaround 6:00 p.m., everything already turned dark.


    Amelia had been worried before they reached the downtown area. She thought that because Lucian


    wasn''t familiar with this route and the roads were quite narrow, they would get into an ident if they


    weren''t careful.


    She didn''t want Lucian to be anxious so she held her tongue and only heaved a sigh of relief once


    they''d gotten past the road. She said, "Finally, I don''t have to worry anymore."


    "Don''t you trust your husband''s driving skills?"


    "I can''t help it. I still worry even if I know you''re a good driver," she said seriously as she turned to look


    at him.


    "Are you hungry? Let''s go and eat something." Lucian chose a very hip and trendy restaurant. He knew


    Amelia didn''t like Western food so he avoided that.


    She thought Lucian had just picked a random restaurant but as it turns out, he had picked the most


    famous restaurant in the city.


    As she entered the magnificent restaurant, she went into a daze. For a while, she wasn''t even thinking


    as she looked around, she just let herself be led by Lucian.


    After sitting down, she looked around awkwardly and then whispered to Lucian, "The food here seems


    very expensive."


    She''d never been here before but she had heard from Courtney that a lot of celebrities ate here.


    Before, she could only afford hot pot in food stands on the streets. She never dreamed that she''d be


    eating in a ce like this one day. Still, she couldn''t shake off her difort. She didn''t want to have to


    remember all the rules one had to follow in eating in restaurants like this¡ªshe found it to be


    exhausting.


    "Don''t worry about it. I''m footing the bill. You just need to focus on enjoying your meal." Lucian looked


    through the menu, pointing out dishes here and then. His tone was light but he was implying that they


    would order a lot of food.


    Spending a great amount of money in this restaurant didn''t seem like a big deal to him.


    As Amelia sipped her water, she mumbled, "Lucian, is this really necessary? Won''t we just waste


    money? It''s just the two of us after all."


    Lucian was about to pass the menu to Amelia. However, upon hearing what she had just said, he


    immediately asked the waiter to serve all their orders right away in fear that she would refuse to eat if


    she found out how expensive everything was.


    "Just look at it this way: it''s your reward for all your hard work today," Lucian said matter-of-factly as he


    cast a nce at her.


    Amelia knew that Lucian was just trying to coax her. Left with no choice, she merely nodded in


    response.


    When Amelia finally nodded in agreement, Lucian couldn''t help but tease, "Mrs. Amelia, you''re so


    frugal. For whom should I work so hard then?"


    "If Mr. Lucian can''t find a way to spend all his money, he can donate it to charity," she answered


    quickly.


    As a matter of fact, since he took over the Zhan Group, he had been active in his phnthropy work.


    "You''re right. Or we can start nning for a baby," he quipped.


    "What did you just say?" Amelia almost choked. She thought she''d misheard him. "A baby?" she


    repeated incredulously.


    How ridiculous!


    "Mrs. Amelia is so frugal. We need to have children so I''ll be motivated to work so we can provide for


    them," Lucian answered simply.


    Upon noticing the serious look on Lucian''s face, Amelia couldn''t help but agree¡ªhe was right.


    Bashfully, she asked, "Does this have anything to do with your mother?"


    With that, Fannie''s face shed across Amelia''s mind which made her shiver in fear.


    Upon the mention of Fannie, the look on Lucian''s face shifted. In a low voice, he said, "I was just


    kidding. Let''s eat."

 Chapter 71 Misplaced Jealousy

    Chapter 71 Misced Jealousy


    This was not the way Amelia wanted things to turn out. The seeds of guilt were quickly taking root


    inside her, creeping up her insides with thorny vines. She reached out to Lucian hesitantly and held on


    to his arm. "Was that really your mother''s idea?" she asked in a small voice.


    ''Fannie doesn''t like me? Why was she urging them to have a child?'' she was wondering.


    Lucian took notice of the trembling hand in his arm. "Amelia, I was just kidding," he said carefully,


    wanting the shadows in her eyes to disappear.


    "Right. Of course. Whatever you say," Amelia answered. Lucian''s expression had turned more grave as


    the seconds passed, and Amelia''s apprehension grew with her uncertainty.


    Sumptuous dishes appeared on the table one after another. Dinner went on with neither of them


    breaching the topic once more. Amelia focused on the food, but it even that felt lukewarm in her mouth.


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    Lucian was a regr in this restaurant, and so he was well-known among the waiters. On top of that,


    the Zhan Group owned shares in the business.


    It was a quiet ce, and Amelia was almost able to put off her worries with the warm and rxing


    ambiance until a woman''s voice broke through the momentarily found peace.


    "Lucian, why did you take her with you?"


    Amelia looked up from her te and met her eyes.


    The woman was vaguely familiar. Amelia had a faint sense that she had met this woman before, but


    where and when, she couldn''t ce. The stranger exuded the air of someone well-known¡ª dressed in


    luxury brand clothes, with a tall figure and an undeniably beautiful face highlighted by her perfect make-


    up.


    She moved closer to Lucian without hesitation, as if it was something she had done thousands of times


    before and threw a sharp nce at Amelia. "I don''t think it was a good idea to bring her. At the very


    least, she should be wearing clean clothes."


    Amelia tried her best not to flinch under the woman''s scrutiny. She understood perfectly well what was


    happening.


    It was true that she was wearing in clothes. Oil stains dotted the otherwise clean fabric from cooking


    in the construction site. Then, as if on cue, she smelled hints of oil and smoke from her clothes.


    But Lucian didn''t seem to mind, so who was this woman to go off and criticize her? Amelia gripped the


    silverware as the beginnings of anger stirred up inside her.


    "Jessie, what a coincidence! Have you eaten yet?" Lucian quickly noticed Amelia''s sour mood and


    greeted the other woman instead.


    But it did nothing to distract Amelia from her temper. Hearing his gentle voice of Lucian as he spoke to


    her, Amelia''s annoyance red dangerously hot.


    "Lucian, we haven''t seen each other in so long? You''ve been ignoring me you heartless man," Jessie


    answered, her voice soft and feminine.


    Anyone who looked at them would have thought them the perfect couple. Amelia felt stabs of pain in


    her chest as she couldn''t help but admit that Jessie matched Lucian well. Her lips trembled as she


    watched them, but she didn''t want to seem like she was acting like a victim. Instead, she brought her


    attention back to her food, sending one delicious bite after another in her mouth. The food was


    definitely good, but it was like rubber in her mouth. There was no way she would be able to enjoy her


    meal when her heart weighed heavily in her chest.


    "You are too busy. It would be difficult to meet you," Lucian said, continuing to eat.


    Fine. The two of them could have a grand time together for all she cared. Amelia pointedly ignored


    them as they continued to talk as if there were just the two of them in the table.


    She reached for her ss and drank water to swallow her food in one go.


    "I heard that you got married? How is your wife? Is she pretty?" Jessie asked. The waiter kept serving


    dishes, and Jessie had also started to eat. She was acting sofortable that Amelia felt like an


    outsider.


    The woman called Jessie touched Lucian''s arm from time to time as they talked. Lucian didn''t seem to


    mind and just kept smiling at her.


    At the sight her hand in his arm, Amelia gripped at the chopsticks in her hands. An ugly feeling started


    in her chest and gave a shiver down her spine.


    She knew where the shiver hade from. She was utterly and undeniably jealous.


    "She''s right in front of you," Lucian looked at Amelia and introduced her with a smile.


    Jessie''s mouth fell open at Lucian''s words. She immediately recovered and greeted Amelia politely the


    next moment. "I wouldn''t have believed it if you hadn''t personally admitted it, Lucian," she said.


    "Jessie, don''t scare her," Lucian said in a low voice as he reached over to fill Amelia''s bowl with more


    food.


    ''This woman is really starting to get on my nerves,'' she thought. She looked at the food that Lucian had


    put in her bowl and said, "I don''t like these."


    Lucian frowned immediately. Amelia was not usually picky with food, but soon his smile appeared


    again. "You don''t have to eat it if you don''t like it. Is there something else you want to eat? We can


    order more."


    "Lucian, you have married a strange one," Jessie spoke, once again eyeing Amelia''s clothes. "Not only


    is she unrefined, she seems to be temperamental too." Jessie said the words so casually as if she was


    justmenting on the weather.


    The next moment, Amelia''s chopsticks had stopped moving. Raising her eyes, she met Jessie with a


    fierce gaze and said, "Miss, don''t you think you''re being too touchy with my husband?"


    She had not meant to raise her voice, but it hade out harshly, calling the attention of the customers


    at the next table.


    "And?" Instead of letting go of him, Jessie only moved closer and linked arms with Lucian.


    "What''s your rtionship with him?" Amelia asked in disbelief. She could no longer hold her temper


    when this woman was deliberately making a show of provoking her.


    Amelia knew she sounded like a petnt child, throwing a tantrum. But at this moment, she couldn''t


    care less. She had borne this quietly for the past minutes but she''d had enough.


    "Amelia, calm down. We haven''t finished eating yet," Lucian said, smiling at her. With that, something


    inside her snapped. Did he think this was funny?


    And he asked her to keep eating? Was he seriously telling her to stay while getting this treatment?


    Amelia wanted to scream in frustration. Her eyes were stung, but she blinked them to stop her tears.


    Putting down her silverware, she said in a low voice, "Enjoy yourselves. I''m going home."


    This had gone far enough. As she stood up, however, Lucian called out to her.


    "Amelia, please sit back down. Let me introduce you two properly," he said.


    Amelia''s temper was really blowing over the roof now. However, she sat down as he told and smiled.


    "You''re right, Mr. Lucian Zhan. We went here together after all. We should go home together as well."


    Lucian knew that he was going to be in hot water if he didn''t resolve the situation quickly. Amelia had


    used his full name on him. That could only mean trouble.


    Clearing his throat, he said, "Amelia, this is my cousin, Jessie. She is a TV host. You might have seen


    her show before." Lucian smiled at her as he spoke.


    "What¡­ what did you say?" Amelia answered with wide eyes. Jessie was grinning at her with a wicker


    gleam in her eyes.


    "I should be calling you sister-inw, but it seems that you don''t like me all that much," Jessieughed.


    Amelia couldn''t believe that they were having fun at her expense. She couldn''t wrap her head around


    what just happened.


    "I¡­ I''m sorry... I didn''t know you were his cousin..." she stammered out an apology, feeling


    embarrassment rise to her cheeks. Lucian, that devil, didn''t even tell her anything about it.


    Right at this time, Lucian came over to her and put his hands on her shoulders. "It doesn''t matter. Now


    that you do know, everything is fine."


    He spoke with a straight face, but Amelia knew he was stillughing at her. Her husband had the time


    of his life watching her get jealous over another woman.


    Amelia felt that she had been utterly yed. Her earlier embarrassment was once again quickly being


    reced by annoyance, but she held herself back. She didn''t want to cause a bigger scene.


    "I''m innocent," Jessie quickly imed. "I can see that you love my cousin very much and you''re an


    honest girl. I''m quite satisfied with you," she said with a smile.


    Amelia''s face rxed a little upon hearing her words. Still feeling a little embarrassed, she said, "I


    thought you looked familiar when I saw you just now. That''s why. You are the news anchor of the


    noontime news in the city!"


    She seldom watched the television. At most, she nced at the news from time to time, but it would be


    difficult not to remember Jessie. She was incredibly eye-catching.


    "I''m ttered you remember me." Jessie was truly a pro at what she does. She was able to trick Amelia


    into believing her act from earlier. Before she left, she said to Amelia, "My cousin is a good man. I''m


    sure he will treat you well."


    Amelia blushed at her words. It was true. Lucian came off as a cold, heartless man, but on the inside,


    he was warm. People kept their distance from him, but those who were close to him knew who he truly


    was. He was far from the arrogant, heartless person everyone else seemed to make him out to be. He


    was a boss who cared for his employees and an affectionate husband.


    "Well, that was a surprise. If it weren''t for that episode just now, I never would have thought you were


    that interested in me, Amelia," Lucian said, returning to his seat with a mischievous smile on his lips.


    Amelia''s face med up at hisment and was unable to return the jab. Instead, she lowered her


    head and refused to meet his eyes.


    For what seemed to be the hundredth time that day, she escaped by focusing on the food at the table.


    She wouldn''t have to talk if she was eating. Completely ignoring what Lucian had said, she filled her


    bowl with food.


    Lucian, of course, knew what was going on in his wife''s mind. Holding back a chuckle, he grinned and


    watched her pointedly ignore him and eat. Remembering the possessive anger that shed in her eyes


    earlier, he sank back to his seat, satisfied and thinking it was worth all the trouble.


    Upon their return to SJ Garden, Amelia went straight upstairs and took a shower. After changing into


    clean clothes, she stood in front of the mirror and inspected herself for a long time. Suddenly, a voice


    echoed inside her, magnifying her doubt, ''Are you a woman, Amelia? No makeup, in clothes, no...''


    "Ah! I don¡¯t care," she muttered to herself, drying her hair harshly with a towel. Who cares? Was she


    really worried about Lucian not liking it? Did she want to please him that badly?


    Lucian found her in that state, staring at herself in the mirror. Quietly, he walked over and stood behind


    her. "Someone''s narcissistic," heughed behind her.


    His reflection from behind her caught Amelia by surprise. She whirled around and gave him a stern


    look, not saying a word, and looked back at the mirror.


    "You must have been tired today," Lucian hugged her from behind and whispered in her ear in a gentle


    voice.


    "Yes, but I''m really happy too," she answered, forgetting all her anger at the sound of his voice. Today


    had been good. She felt like she did something meaningful.


    "You did great, Amelia," Lucian praised. Then, he let go of her and said wearily, "I have to take a


    shower. You should sleep."


    Amelia watched Lucian disappear into the bedroom and went back to stare at the dressing mirror.


    The two of them really got along well. It was as if they had been married for a long time.


    They had already moved forward as well, having slept together in the same bed. It was difficult that first


    night, but now that they had cleared that hurdle, Amelia felt even morefortable with him. She didn''t


    mind sleeping beside him at night. In fact, part of her was looking forward to it. She got into bed and


    held the mobile phone at hand, pretending to y with it.


    After Lucian walked out of the bathroom, Amelia kept her eyes glued on the screen, willing herself to


    calm down.

 Chapter 72 Making Fun Of Each Other

    Chapter 72 Making Fun Of Each Other


    Lucian lifted the quilt, thinking Amelia had fallen asleep and saw a fluorescent light reflecting from a


    screen. He frowned and took her phone away without hesitation. "Gazing at the screen just before you


    sleep isn''t good for your eyesight."


    Amelia stared at her empty hands in a daze and red at her husband.


    "Lucian, how can you be so bossy?" Amelia had been reading the gossip about someone she knew.


    She had just calmed her heart when she stumbled upon a rumor about Lucian. Her mind was sold right


    there.


    "Yes, I indeed am a bully if it means taking care of you." Lucian pulled her closer, putting her head on


    his shoulders.


    Amelia struggled to move back but gave up. Lucian was way too strong for her.


    She turned her head, sneaking a nce at Lucian. Light turned his already attractive face into


    something more perfect. Even though he was cold, his face attracted a lot of attention.


    A smile formed on her lips, and she snuggled back in his arms, feeling secure.


    Amelia sniffed his fresh mint-like fragrance and closed her eyes.


    Lucian looked at her sleeping face, smiling gently. Her skin was fair and soft as a newborn child.


    Amelia''s reddish lips lifted in her sleep as she moved closer to him. Seeing this, Lucian''s thin lips could


    not help but draw a happy arc.


    "Sleep tight, my sweetheart." He pulled her closer. His lips kept on smacking her tender neck. He only


    stopped after hearing a soft whimper from Amelia.


    Amelia woke up to find her bed empty. She got up and walked over to the bathroom to see Lucian


    standing in front of the mirror.


    She saw his wide smile before he squeezed the toothpaste for her, embracing her from behind. He


    even helped her in picking up her work clothes.


    By the time Amelia got ready and came back in the bedroom, Lucian was nowhere to be found. She


    stood in front of the mirror, eyeing her face intently. How would she look in the make-up?


    She didn''t care about what Jessie had said, but it was an assistant''s job to look perfect beside the


    CEO. Amelia pursed her lips before taking the make-up kit in her hands.


    After fifteen minutes, she gazed at her hard work in the mirror, only to be distressed. How could she do


    that to herself? Her liner was smeared on the bridge of her nose, and the foundation seemed uneven


    on her face.


    Her horrified eyes stared at her panda like reflection.


    "Am I really a woman?" she whispered to herself, curling her upper lip in disgust.


    Lucian entered the room just in time to see Amelia staring at herself in a horrified expression. His lips


    lifted to form an affectionate smile.


    It took Amelia fifteen minutes more to remove the make-up. She was so engrossed in her work that she


    did not notice his existence at all.


    She heaved a sigh of relief when the make-up came off her face. At least she wouldn''t be looking like a


    panda. Just as she turned around and stood up, a yelp came from her mouth. A man was standing


    behind her. She took a few steps back, hitting the edge of the dresser. Panicking, she said in a low


    voice, "What are you doing here?"


    Her heart was beating fast. She hadn''t wanted him to see her embarrassing moment. She looked at


    him nervously.


    "Any guesses?" Lucian wore a smile on his face, and walked up to Amelia, holding her petite face in


    both hands. He gently wiped the trace of powder from her eyebrows with his slender fingers. "You don''t


    need make-up to look beautiful."


    His voice was soft as chocte melting in her mouth. How could he say it out loud just like that?


    His words touched her heart.


    "Lucian, you''re good at coaxing me. Why¡­" Before she couldplete her sentence, he leaned


    forward to press his lips against hers. Amelia wanted to ask why he chose her out of all people. Her


    eyes doubled in size for a moment, but then she surrendered to him, closing her eyes.


    Lucian pecked her soft lips several times before letting her go. Both of them were breathing heavily.


    Amelia was flushed. Her soft lips glistened in the light. She couldn''t even raise her eyes to see his face.


    "We''re going to bete for work!" His sudden outburst brought her back to the Earth, making her panic.


    "Ah!" She rushed downstairs, following behind him.


    In a hurry, she pushed the kiss in the back of her mind.


    Lily watched Lucian heading over to the kitchen while Amelia ran toward the front door. "Mrs. Amelia,


    are you not going to have breakfast?" A nervous smile stered on Lily''s lips when she watched


    Amelia crouching down to change shoes silently.


    Lucian came out and frowned after seeing Amelia. "Eat with me."


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    His voice was smooth, but he stared at her with a stern face.


    Amelia stopped what she was doing and looked at her wristwatch. "We only have half an hour." She


    raised her head to gaze at Lucian with pouting lips as if she was a puppy.


    "Having breakfast with me is also your business." Lucian went back to the kitchen and sat on his seat,


    picking up a piece of bread. He smeared it with jam before putting it on a te.


    Amelia watched him in a daze. She knew Lucian had said that to make her feel less guilty. Feeling


    warm in her heart, she walked over and sat on the seat opposite to Lucian. Amelia''s lips stretched to


    form an embarrassing smile. "I''ll try to get up early."


    Ever since they started sleeping on the same bed, her rm never worked. She would still manage to


    get ready on time. Today, everything changed as she was gettingte not because of the rm, but her


    make-up scenario.


    She lowered her head in embarrassment. Her action earlier was a big joke on her. She picked up


    bread, sneakily gazing at Lucian''s cold face.


    At the same time, Lucian looked up to see Amelia staring at him in a daze. His face lit up at that.


    Although, he wondered why she would watch him without eating her food. Confusion glinted in his


    eyes. "Why aren''t you eating?"


    Her heart jumped up to her throat. Amelia averted her eyes before taking a bite of the bread. She drank


    a ss of milk and said in a high-pitched voice, "I''m done!"


    Lucian gazed at her affectionately before reaching out to wipe the leftover milk above her upper lip.


    His fingers felt like a feather tickling her skin. A shiver shot through her body. Her heart was throbbed,


    turning her face scarlet red.


    His fingers paused for a moment. "Sit here for a moment, Amelia." Lucian narrowed his eyes at a


    particr ce on her neck, gesturing to sit on hisp.


    "What?" Amelia''s eyes went wide at that. Why would Lucian suddenly ask her to sit on hisp? Was he


    thinking of something naughty again? She pursed her lips but did as he said.


    Lucian was simply staring at her, making her ufortable. She said in a low voice, "We''re going to


    bete." Amelia forced a smile. She nced at him before lowering her head. She didn''t want to say


    anything to provoke Lucian.


    Lucian didn''t say anything. His slender fingers traced her neck, staring at the ce with narrow eyes.


    The impact sent a shiver down her spine.


    Sweat beads had started to form on her forehead, and she shifted on hisp. Still, Lucian continued to


    stare at the ce without any shame. She saw his expressions changing from narrow to wide eyes in a


    second. Even though she wanted to ask him about his behavior, she didn''t say anything and lowered


    her head.


    When he was done, he pulled her out and dragged her to the car. They were silent the whole time they


    were on the road. She expected Lucian to bring her to thepany. Amelia looked at him in surprise


    when the car stopped at a cosmetic shop.


    "Weren''t we gettingte?" Confusion muddled her as she stared at him.


    Lucian killed the engine and got out. He said in a calm voice, "This is more important. Come with me."


    Amelia sealed her lips, seeing his frowning face and followed him inside. It was better if she stayed


    silent after facing such a serious Lucian.


    The shop was filled with bright lights, even in the daytime to attract the attention of the customers.


    Amelia saw an assistant greeting Lucian with a warm smile. She couldn''t understand why Lucian was


    acting like this today. Who in the world would take his wife to a cosmetic shop early in the morning?


    "Cover the red mark on her neck." Lucian looked at the two employees before him coldly.


    Amelia''s eyes widened in surprise.


    There was a red mark on her neck? She rushed to the mirror and craned her neck to look closely.


    There were several red marks on her neck.


    "Just how many mosquitoes bit mest night?" Her eyes filled with confusion as she stared at her


    reflection. How did mosquitoes enter her room in such a cold climate? Even if the insects flew inside,


    just how did they manage to stay away from Lucian''s keen gaze? For him, cleanliness was his first


    love. He would always make sure to keep the house safe.


    She narrowed her eyes at the red marks. It didn''t even look like a mosquito bite. One of the red marks


    was too big for an insect. If not a mosquito, what else could it be?


    Lucian coughed after seeing her confused expression but didn''t say anything. Couldn''t this stupid


    woman figure out the source of these marks?


    The employees of the shop did as told. After paying, the couple walked out. Amelia was far behind, and


    paused, looking at Lucian in a daze. "Lucian!"


    Lucian turned around and raised his eyebrows, gazing down at her. Perhaps her tube light mind finally


    matured, and she found out the source of those red marks. Expectations glinted in his eyes as he


    stared at her.


    She pursed her lips and touched his cheek, tilting his head to the right side. Her soft fingers traced his


    neck, but she couldn''t find a mosquito mark. She pouted and said, "Why didn''t mosquitoes bite you?"


    The two of them were standing close in the middle of the street. Many people gave the couple a weird


    nce. Some even averted their eyes and said, "Get a room!"


    Amelia didn''t seem to notice any of that. She tilted his face to the other side and moved closer. Her


    warm breath tickled the surface of his neck, making his breathing heavy.


    "Because the mosquito slept very wellst night." Lucian squinted his eyes at her small figure in his


    arms.


    "Bullshit!" Amelia let go of his head and stepped back. "We should buy cream on our way back. It''s a


    waste of money to use the foundation every day."


    Lucian looked at this naive woman for a long time as if she outgrew two horns on her head. He


    controlled the urge to strangle his wife in the middle of the street. If they were at home, he would''ve


    taught her just how she got those marks.


    The woman had such a pure mind. She even thought that it was caused by mosquitoes.


    It was alreadyte when they arrived at the Zhan Group. They took a special elevator avable for the


    CEO. The couple entered the office from the backdoor, and no one even noticed them.


    Just as Amelia sat on her seat, she heard a knock on the door.

 Chapter 73 Kent And Melissa Were Fired

    Chapter 73 Kent And Melissa Were Fired


    Amelia stood up to get the door after hearing the knock. It was Sasha who was waiting to be let in. She


    wore dark makeup with matching red lips, which only made her look more intimidating. Sasha''s face


    immediately changed when she saw that it was Amelia who opened the door. Amelia was about to


    greet Sasha, but thetter walked past her and went directly to Lucian''s desk. She spoke almost


    seductively, "This is the sales report for this quarter, Lucian. I worked overtimest night to sort out the


    data. Please have a look."


    "We''re at the office, Sasha," Lucian replied without raising his head to acknowledge her. He reached


    out to take the papers from her hands and began flipping through the pages.


    "Well... Mr. Lucian." Seeing that her seductive talk wasn''t making an effect on Lucian, Sasha dropped


    the act and spoke formally.


    Amelia sneaked back to her desk, careful not to make a noise lest she interrupt their conversation.


    Once seated, she tried to take a peek at what was happening over at Lucian''s desk.


    Sasha was wearing a form-fitting zer paired with a very short skirt, which revealed her shapely


    figure. The ck stockings and red high heelsplemented her feminine charms.


    "I got this. Thanks," Lucian said curtly, still scanning the document in his hands. He waspletely


    ignoring Sasha.


    "Are you free after work, Lucian?" Sasha asked softly. But since there were only three of them in the


    room, it was impossible for Amelia to not hear everything.


    She braced herself while waiting for Lucian''s reply. Amelia was afraid that Lucian would say yes, but


    she tried her best to look engrossed in her work to care.


    Lucian raised his head to look at Sasha. Without answering her question, he said coldly, "Ask Kent and


    Melissa of the Sales Department toe to my office now."


    The mention of those names drew Amelia''s attention. She remembered Melissa, having ran into her on


    the stairs thest time. She knew her name because Kent called out to her.


    Amelia wondered if they''d done anything wrong for Lucian was asking to see them. Lucian looked


    rather displeased.


    "Okay," Sasha obeyed. She was about to make her way to the door when after a moment''s hesitation,


    she asked, "You do know what day it is today, right, Lucian?"


    "I know," Lucian said, scowling.


    "Do you need me to keep youpany?" Sasha leaned against Lucian''s desk, her long legs crossed


    suggestively.


    It seemed to Amelia that the two began to talk in whispers as she could no longer understand what


    they were saying.


    She could only watch as Sasha spoke softly almost directly into Lucian''s ear. Without looking at her,


    Lucian clearly replied, "I''ll wait for you in the lobby after work."


    Amelia''s mouth fell wide open. It was as if her worst fear had been confirmed.


    Satisfied with Lucian''s answer, Sasha turned around and gave Amelia a smug smile. She then saw


    herself out of the office, strutting in her stiletto heels.


    There was a long silence after that.


    Amelia yed with the thought of asking Lucian directly if he had ns for the night. But she also


    wondered if doing so would make it clear to Lucian that she was eavesdropping on his conversation


    with Sasha.


    She turned to look at Lucian and saw a stern expression on his face. His eyebrows were slightly


    twisted as if in anger.


    Amelia felt strange. The sweet and tender moments of that morning had gone and had been reced


    with feelings of difort.


    Not wanting to get Lucian''s attention, Amelia tried to concentrate on the papers on her desk. That was


    when she noticed that she had identally spilled a few drops of water on a document while trying to


    listen to Sasha''s whispers. In her panic, she raised the file and tried to blow on it to dry.


    It''s this behavior that called Lucian''s attention. She heard his serious voice call out from the other side


    of the office, "What''s wrong?"


    "It''s nothing!" Amelia replied nervously.


    Lucian didn''t press and continued to sort out the documents on his desk.


    There was a knock on the door again and Amelia scrambled to her feet to open it.


    It was Kent and Melissa.


    Thest time she ran into Melissa, she only caught a glimpse of her back. Looking at her now, Amelia


    saw that Melissa''s skin was fair and itplemented her trendy hair color. She looked very


    professional in her smart zer and pencil skirt.


    It was Kent who greeted Amelia when she held the door open for them to enter. "Hey, Amelia!" he said,


    smiling.Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Amelia instantly remembered the night Courtney poured her wine over him. Feeling embarrassed for


    Kent, she merely nodded politely.


    Melissa feltpelled to greet her, too, knowing who Amelia was and who she was married to.


    "You were looking for us, Mr. President?" The two approached Lucian''s desk as Amelia found her way


    back to her seat. She was careful to pretend that she was busy sorting out her files while she was


    actually listening to the conversation at the other end of the room.


    Were Melissa and Kent in a rtionship after Kent and Courtney broke up? Amelia could only wonder.


    She envied the love between Kent and Courtney, especially after she broke up with Jasper. But it


    seemed as if even their love was not meant tost forever.


    "I don''t care about your personal affairs, but it looks like it''s been affecting the rest of the Sales


    Department. Do you get what I''m saying?" Lucian said furiously. He threw the folder he was holding on


    his desk and leaned back against his leather chair, sizing up the people in front of him.


    Amelia was flustered. Forgetting all pretense, she looked up and watched the three of them talk.


    It was good that Melissa and Kent stood with their backs toward her. Amelia watched and waited.


    "Mr. Lucian, Kent and I love each other; it''s true. How is that everyone else''s business?" Melissa''s


    voice was dripping with resentment.


    Everything was suddenly clear to Amelia. Kent and Melissa''s rtionship had finally been confirmed.


    Amelia wished they were not in the office. If so, she would have had immediately confronted Kent and


    asked if he had already forgotten his promise to Courtney.


    "Romantic rtionships between employees are not allowed followingpany policy," Lucian said in


    a strict tone.


    "Mr. Lucian, how does thispany expect to retain employees with policies like that?" Melissa was


    unafraid of the threat behind Lucian''s words. She merely smiled and continued, "The Sales Department


    is at the heart of thepany''s revenue stream. Are you sure you want to fire us for breaking such a


    silly rule?"


    Melissa was in charge of thepany''s market research. She had been with Zhan Group for more


    than two years and was the leading candidate for the Sales Director position. She was not scared of


    being fired from her post because she knew that she was one of thepany''s assets.


    What she didn''t know, however, was that there was nothing Lucian hated more than intimidation.


    Nothing, not even Melissa''s stunning work performance could sway his decision. On the contrary, it


    was her words thatpletely ruined all her chances of keeping her job.


    "I refuse to work with any employee who has absolutely no regard for thews and policies that govern


    this enterprise, not even if she''s the best at what she does," Lucian said coldly.


    Melissa''s face turned pale after hearing her employer''s final decision. She couldn''t believe that she was


    losing her job. She cried, "Mr. Lucian, there are other single women in our department who are also in


    rtionships with male colleagues. Why am I being singled out?"


    "You went out of your way to go againstpany policy." Lucian turned to Kent as he said this. "I don''t


    like taking risks. If I think that something''s bad for thepany, I immediately do away with it. You two


    best head back and clear out your desks."


    Kent was equally stunned and couldn''t believe what he just heard. He was about to say something, but


    Melissa interrupted him, "What? Are you going to give our love up for this job?"


    Melissa and Amelia were of the same age, but while Melissa was realistic and cunning, Amelia was


    idealistic and romantic. When Melissa dropped the word "love," Amelia could not help but sneer.


    Kent had joined Zhan Group about a month ago and Melissa had only known him since. How could it


    be the same love that Courtney and Kent had shared for years?


    "We''ll be leaving now, Mr. Lucian," Kent replied politely. To avoid further embarrassment, he dragged


    with him Melissa, who looked like she still wanted to protest. Passing by her desk on the way to the


    door, Kent gave Amelia a meaningful look.


    It was only a brief connection, but Amelia saw anger in Kent''s eyes.


    She wasn''t sure if Kent''s anger was aimed at her. She thought it strange given that they had been


    friends for a long time.


    "Mr. Lucian, I''d like to step out for a while," Amelia said when the two left the room. She immediately


    stood up. Kent couldn''t have gone far away yet. She wanted to ask him what was going on with him


    and Melissa.


    Lucian already knew what was going through Amelia''s head. "He''s still angry. Do you really want to


    start interrogating him?" he asked, his eyes were now back on the files on his desk.


    Amelia had already considered what Kent must be feeling. But they''d known each other for years and


    she understood why Kent was feeling that way.


    "Yes. I need to ask him now," came Amelia''s stubborn reply. She''d already made her way to the door.


    Lucian didn''t try to stop her, but he did remind Amelia to not let her emotions get the best of her.


    As soon as Amelia stepped out of the office, Lucian called his assistant Eric and asked him to follow


    Amelia. "If anything happens, let me know," he ordered.


    Melissa and Kent were about to enter the elevator when Amelia caught up with them. "Kent, wait!" she


    called out.


    The two turned around at the same time to see Amelia trying to catch her breath. Kent looked surprised


    while Melissa looked displeased to see her.


    "What do you want, Mrs. Amelia?" Melissa said, flipping her long hair. She didn''t bother to hide the


    rudeness in her tone.


    Smiling faintly at Kent, Amelia asked, "Can we talk for a bit?"


    "You can say whatever it is you have to say right in front of me. I''m not leaving without Kent," Melissa


    interjected. Amelia''s face was getting red out of annoyance. Kent didn''t seem to want to make a reply.


    Melissa clearly had a dominating personality. Amelia couldn''t understand how Kent could''ve fallen for


    her.


    Courtney would get capricious every now and then, but for most of the time, she had always been


    rather innocent. She listened to Kent and followed him, going so far as to argue with her family in order


    to defend their rtionship. Amelia didn''t expect that Kent''s preferences in women would change.


    "What do you say, Kent?" Amelia continued addressing her friend, not wanting to throw another nce


    at Melissa.


    Embarrassed, Kent hesitated but eventually turned to Melissa. She was standing in front of the elevator


    door, tapping her foot impatiently. "Amelia''s my friend. I want to talk to her alone."


    Hearing this, Amelia wondered if he was still the same Kent she knew.

 Chapter 74 Courtneys Love

    Chapter 74 Courtney''s Love


    "I''m telling you now, Kent. If you so much as dare make a decision without my knowledge, you''ll face


    consequences!" Melissa''s words were still ringing in Kent''s ears when she hurried to the elevator.


    And although the words were not addressed to her, it was Amelia who felt the sting of those words as


    soon as the elevator doors closed.


    "It''s almost five," Amelia said. "I need to talk to you. Do you have time after work?" Amelia never


    thought of the office as the proper ce to be asking colleagues about personal affairs, so she thought


    it best to talk to Kent elsewhere.


    "I know that you and Courtney are good friends," Kent began, facing Amelia. "Before you reached out, I


    was actually thinking of talking to you." Amelia could see that Kent was struggling to turn his frown into


    a rxed smile.


    "You didn''t change your number, did you? I''ll call you after work." Deep down, Amelia knew that she


    was angry, but one look at Kent''s worried expression seemed to vanish her feelings of hate.


    "I''ll call youter," Kent repeated before he himself entered the elevator.


    Amelia realized that she''d been out for too long. She quickly turned back to head to her desk, her face


    contorted into an expression of confusion, anger, and hurt. She forced a smile when she saw Lucian


    looking at her. "Sorry," she meekly said, "I left my post without permission."


    "I''ll ask Frank to drive you home." Lucian''s reply was cool but quick. He got up, adjusted his coat, and


    grabbed his suitcase, reaching for the door.


    "So, are you doing anything tonight?" Amelia hesitantly asked. She knew the answer to her question.


    She had already heard the conversation between Sasha and him, but she couldn''t keep herself from


    asking.


    "Yes," Lucian replied curtly before looking at Amelia with the gentlest of eyes. "I''ll head out soon. I just


    have a few more things to attend to."


    He didn''t say much and Amelia didn''t want to press.


    "Okay," she said. "I''m sorry, it''s nothing. Go, finish up." Turning her head back to her desk, she realized


    that it was five minutes to five and she was supposed to meet up with Kent after work.


    Lucian left Amelia to her thoughts. She was packing her things up when her phone began to ring. She


    picked it up and answered, "Yes?"


    "I''ll meet you downstairs." It was Kent. Amelia shoved her things inside her bag and hurried to the


    elevator.


    Stepping out of the Zhan Group building, it was Frank who first caught Amelia''s attention. He was


    waiting by the car as instructed. The man smiled at her. "Mrs. Amelia, Mr. Lucian asked me to drive you


    home," he politely said.


    Amelia realized that she forgot to inform Frank of her ns for the night. "I''m sorry, Frank. There''s, uh,


    something I have to deal with right now. I''ll just take a cab home."


    "But Mr. Lucian made strict orders for me to drive for you," Frank protested. "I have to inform him once


    you''re home." Frank looked worried.


    "I''ll exin everything to Lucian," Amelia reassured Frank. "Don''t worry."


    "Well, if you say so." Frank looked like he wanted to say more, but stopped himself midway. Instead, he


    bid Amelia goodbye and drove off.


    Kent watched the car go before approaching Amelia.


    "There''s a coffee shop across the street," Amelia said. "Let''s talk there." "Did you call Courtney?"


    Amelia asked. She walked ahead of him towards the cafe.


    "Yes, she''s on her way here," Kent replied. He couldn''t look at Amelia as both of them headed towards


    the shop.


    Entering the cafe, Amelia scanned the room for an empty seat. She quickly found one and waved for


    coffee. There was a moment of silence between the two until Amelia spoke. "As for Courtney..." she


    began. "Don''t you love her?"


    She was scared of the answer, but she was determined to know the whole truth. She knew she had to


    ask questions point nk.


    "I do. I still love her." Kent looked earnest, and Amelia thought she saw love in his eyes.


    "Then, how would you define your rtionship with Melissa?" Amelia asked. She withdrew her eyes


    from Kent and looked down instead on the cup of coffee the waiter ced in front of her.


    It was difficult to understand. If Kent loved Courtney, how did he get involved with another woman?


    Kent covered his face in shame. "Amelia," his voice cracked, "I''m a bastard! You can''t imagine how


    sorry I am for what I did." Kent knew for a fact that he was truly in love with Courtney, so it was hard for


    him to put his mind around the fact that it was he who caused her pain. It broke his heart to


    acknowledge it.


    "Please," Amelia said, reaching for Kent''s hands. "Tell me what happened." Anyone watching would


    see that Kent''s expressions were theplete opposite of Amelia''s. While Kent was distraught, Amelia


    was quiet and collected.


    A slow jazz music was ying in the coffee shop, but not even its melody could soothe Kent''s anguish.


    Kent didn''t have the courage to confess everything to Courtney. He thought for a long time before


    finally eximing in resignation, "I''ve done what I''ve done. There''s no point in talking about it anymore.


    We''re over."


    Amelia couldn''t understand how Kent could have thought this, and his expression didn''t convey much.


    "Do you really want to see Courtney cry? Do you want her to beg you for answers down on her knees?


    Is that what you want?" Amelia asked. Courtney was never one to leave without all of the answers.


    Amelia knew that Courtney wouldn''t stop until she''d learned everything.


    In Courtney''s own words, she would die if she must, but she would get the whole picture. Amelia knew


    what her friend was like, and yet she believed that Kent knew Courtney better than she did.


    "I will only hurt her if I tell her the truth." Amelia could tell that Kent felt hopeless and that he didn''t want


    to drag out the pain by having to exin himself.


    "No one knows what would happen if you exined your side! It''s not over yet," Amelia protested.


    "Things could still turn around." Amelia tried to cheer Kent up, but even she doubted the words which


    came out of her mouth in a murmur.


    She was going to speak again when a familiar figure appeared beside them.


    "Courtney!" Kent leapt out of his seat and reached out to hold Courtney, but thetter was quick to


    push him away.


    Instead, Courtney coldly took the seat next to Amelia. Her face was contorted in a mix of fury and


    despair.


    "Do you want me to leave?" Amelia asked. "I can leave you both to talk, as long as you promise me


    that you''d talk to each other calmly." Amelia wanted to be there for her friend, but she also felt


    ufortable standing in between Courtney and Kent. She rose up and collected her bag.


    Courtney stopped Amelia before she could go. "Are you sure you want to leave me with him?" Amelia


    couldn''t read Courtney''s face.


    Things were quickly bing too much for Amelia but she steadied herself. She initially thought it


    would be best for her to leave the two alone, but it seemed as if she were mistaken.


    "Please stay, Amelia," Kent said grimly. "I have nothing to hide." Kent tried to calm himself but it was


    too obvious that he was perplexed. The guilt for everything he''d done was eating him inside.


    Amelia sat down. "Courtney," she said in an almost whisper, "I know that you and Kent have already


    gone through so much. If you still love him, let him exin."


    "Oh, I do want to hear him exin!" Courtney eximed. "I want to know how pretty she is, Kent. I want


    to know what the girl you broke up with me for is like!" Each word that came out of Courtney''s mouth


    was spoken through gritted teeth. With eyes like daggers, she threw Kent the sharpest of looks.


    The expression on Kent''s face betrayed nothing but guilt. He stared nkly at Courtney before finally


    forcing his mouth to utter her name. "Courtney," he began, "you''ve given up a lot for me these years. I


    know how much you''ve sacrificed. You even went up against your family..." Kent fought the urge to


    break down. "I''ve done something beyond your forgiveness. I guess I''ve always been a jerk."


    Courtney folded her arms in dismay. "What did you do? Did you sleep with her? Do you love her?"


    Kent could only close his eyes in shame. He wanted so much for the earth to open up and swallow him


    whole.


    It was quickly bing the most difficult confrontation Amelia had ever found herself caught in. Trying


    to break the tension, she turned to her friend, "Courtney, I''ve already told you what Kent wants. Isn''t it


    better for the both of you to give each other time to think?"


    "I''m not leaving until I have all the answers that I want!" Ignoring Amelia, Courtney continued


    addressing Kent, "You know what I''m like. I will never be a fool in love. I cannot and will not forgive you


    for betraying me."


    Kent could no longer see how he could turn everything around. Courtney''s anger was as deep as her


    love had been.


    Kent bowed his head in shame. It was hopeless! There was only one thing left to say. He raised his


    head slowly and turned to Courtney. "Take care of yourself," he said sadly.


    "You''re breaking up with me?" Courtney was raging. "Of course!" she sneered, "Another woman is


    waiting for you. How could I''ve forgotten? Of course, you''re leaving because you can''t wait to see her!"


    She snatched the cup of coffee in front of her and threw the contents to Kent. Things happened so


    quickly, Kent couldn''t have possibly avoided getting soaked.


    All of his exnations, his love, his feelings, his regrets, everything was drowning in coffee.


    The hot liquid stained his face red and his shirt brown.


    "For everything I''ve given up for you, you owe me, Kent!" Courtney screamed, mming the cup hard


    down the table. And with that, she stood up and quickly left the shop.


    Amelia''s instincts were to follow Courtney, but she held out a few wads of tissue for Kent. She grabbed


    her things and left payment for her coffee on the table before standing up and rushing to the door.


    Fortunately for Amelia, Courtney had not gone too far. She caught up and seized her by the arm before


    allowing herself to catch her breath.


    That''s when she saw that for all her anger and threats, Courtney''s eyes were red from crying. Amelia


    couldn''t think of anything to say for she was ovee with emotions herself. "Amelia," Courtney said,


    choking back tears. "Didn''t you say that Kent and I were meant to be together? Why did we just break


    up?"


    Amelia didn''t know how to respond. She remembered saying those words to her friend, but even she


    found it difficult to make sense of it in light of everything that had happened. She held Courtney in her


    arms, but this gesture only prompted Courtney to sob louder.


    "Answer me!" Courtney cried. "Do you think I''m pathetic?" The words out of her mouth strengthened


    Courtney''s resolve. She picked herself up from Amelia''s embrace and tried tough bitterly. "It''s fine.


    I''m fine. It''s good that he''s gone. It''s better this way, because I''m tired of holding on to him."


    Courtney wiped the tears off her cheeks with the back of her hand, but Amelia knew that deep down,


    Courtney''s heart was breaking.


    She felt nothing but empathy for her friend. Who would want to show their weak and vulnerable side to


    others?


    "Let''s go!" Amelia dragged Courtney by the arm. "Let''s have dinner. You must be hungry." Amelia


    scanned the area for the nearest restaurant. She wanted to take Courtney''s mind off of what


    happened. Maybe food would do the trick.


    Courtney shook her head and forced a smile. "Mom and Dad were so happy to see me back. They''re


    probably waiting for me."


    Amelia didn''t want to force Courtney to do something she didn''t want, so she agreed, "All right. I''ll drive


    you home."


    "You don''t have to. I have a driver waiting for me." Courtney gestured to the luxury car parked a few


    steps back.


    Amelia walked Courtney to the car and helped her in. She watched the car drive off before walking


    away, relieved that she no longer had to watch her friend deal with the pain of a broken heart.


    But she couldn''t take her mind off of what happened. Her thoughts were still with Courtney, so much so


    that she couldn''t feel hunger even though it had been hours since shest ate anything.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Walking aimlessly, she turned a corner and stopped in front of a small flower shop. She didn''t even


    realize but her gaze was transfixed on a white lily.


    She had never been one to buy flowers, but she found herself walking away with a bouquet.


    The faint fragrance of the lily made her heart swell. Feeling a little better, she prayed to God for


    Courtney to feel better soon.


    Amelia made her way back to SJ Garden in a taxi. She was recollecting herself when she realized that


    Lucian wouldn''t be at home. She remembered the conversation between him and Sasha. She reyed


    the conversation over and over in her head and the more her thoughts dwelled on them, the more


    upset she grew. She kept on thinking about their meeting and imagining the things they were talking


    about.


    When she finally arrived at SJ Garden, Lily smiled at her and motioned for her toe to the dining


    room. "Mrs. Amelia, I had just finished setting the table for dinner. Come and have some food."


    Amelia realized that it was already past seven, which was an hourter than when Lily would usually


    serve dinner. But although it was a little different from what she''d used to, she didn''t bother asking


    about it. It was probably nothing.


    Amelia smiled back at Lily as she deposited the flowers she just bought into a vase and filled it with


    water. The sorrow that she felt moments earlier was lifted. She was inexplicably happy; she was


    smiling ear to ear.

 Chapter 75 Lucian Didnt Come Back Overnight

    Chapter 75 Lucian Didn''t Come Back Overnight


    "Mrs. Amelia, you like lilies too!" Lily said excitedly as she walked over and immediately caught a whiff


    of the scent of the lilies. "Back in our hometown, we have a valley that was filled with lilies. I used to


    y there all the time and I''d always pick a bunch of lilies to take home with me."


    "Really? If it''s possible, I''d like to visit your hometown one of these days," Amelia replied happily.


    The ever observant Lily couldn''t help but notice that there were exactly 11 lilies. She couldn''t help but


    ask in curiosity, "Eleven flowers symbolize your one true love for the rest of your life. Is this for Mr.


    Lucian?"


    At the mention of Lucian, Amelia''s hand froze as she was organizing the flowers. That wasn''t her


    intention at all. She just happened to randomly pick 11 lilies.


    "What can we cook for dinner? I''m so hungry." Amelia decided to change the subject.


    Lily didn''t press anymore. Instead, she merrily said, "Mr. Lucian cares about you so much, Mrs. Amelia.


    He called to tell me to cook dinner for you since you were on your way home already. I actually thought


    you wereing home together."


    Lily then started serving Amelia some rice.


    "So Lucian had already called you before I came home?" Amelia asked in surprise.


    Thinking of Lucian going on a date with Sasha put Amelia in a foul mood.


    "I didn''t think you''de home for dinner, Mrs. Amelia. I only started cooking after Mr. Lucian called


    me," Lily replied frankly.


    During dinner, Amelia was lost in her thoughts. She wondered how Lucian knew where she was. Could


    it be that he had asked someone to follow her?


    She knew that it was definitely a possibility since this was Lucian we were talking about. Was there


    anything he couldn''t do?


    She had no idea if Lucian was going home that night. When clock struck midnight, she decided she


    wasn''t going to wait any longer. Shutting off the lights, she covered herself in her quilt. However, her


    mind was racing¡ªher thoughts wouldn''t let her go to sleep.


    She just kept wondering the same thing: why Lucian still wasn''t home. Was he with Sasha now?


    It was difficult being in her position¡ªoverthinking every single thing over a man and now more than


    ever, Amelia knew how stressful it was.


    She held her phone in her hand, thinking if she could call Lucian. She went back and forth, turning her


    phone on and off until she finally decided against it.


    She slept fitfully that night. When her rm rang, she immediately got up since she was half asleep the


    entire night anyway. Her eyes were sore and swollen. Checking the time, she quickly sat up on the bed


    which made her feel dizzy. Feeling a little defeated, shey on the bed again. She wanted to get up but


    she had no energy since she had little sleep that night. However, she had no choice. So she got up and


    washed up to prepare for work.


    The room was very quiet. There was no other sounds except the ones she made. By then, she had to


    admit to herself that Lucian really didn''te home.


    In order to cheer herself up, she washed her face with cold water despite the cold morning weather. As


    soon as she felt the cold water in her hands, she started freezing. Even as she started washing, she


    shivered as the water was very cold.


    Since she didn''t have a good night''s sleep, she was tired and she didn''t have any appetite. When she


    saw Lily waiting for her at the dining table like she always did, she greeted her and went to put on her


    shoes.


    Lily walked over curiously, noticing the foul mood Amelia was in. In concern, she asked, "Mrs. Amelia,


    did you not sleep wellst night? Why do you have dark circles under your eyes?"


    This hadn''t gone unnoticed by Amelia. She noticed her eye bags while she was washing up. She tried


    to cover it with light make-up but Lily still noticed.


    Trying to avoid beingte for work, she left in a hurry.


    Since Lucian didn''te home, she figured she couldn''t take his car to work. So she chose the most


    inconvenient way to go to work¡ªwalking.


    She didn''t want to use the car Lucian had given her for two reasons: she didn''t want to attract attention


    and she found it troublesome to drive to work.


    It took about 20 minutes to get to the bus station. Fortunately, she had enough time that she didn''t


    need to hurry.


    The morning was shrouded by a thick fog while the sky was cloudy and grey.


    Amelia walked despite the chilly weather. She quickened her pace in an attempt to distract herself from


    the cold and her own thoughts.


    Despite her exhaustion, she still arrived at the bus stop five minutes earlier than she had expected. As


    she stood at the bus stop waiting for the bus, someone suddenly tapped her on the shoulder. When


    she turned, she was surprised to find a familiar face. In surprise, she said, "Jonny?"


    She didn''t expect to see Jonny here. It was a nice surprise as this distracted her from her thoughts.


    She smiled even brighter to Jonny.


    "I parked over there. I can drive you to work," Jonny said with a gentle smile as he pointed to where his


    car was parked, not too far away.


    When she thought of how angry Lucian had gotten thest time she and Jonny were together, she


    quickly refused. Putting on a kind smile, she said, "It''s fine, Jonny. The office isn''t far from here anyway.


    I can take a bus."


    "Amelia, if you''re worried that Lucian might get angry, I can park about ten meters away from the office.


    Deal?" Jonnypromised. He was insisting on driving Amelia to work.


    "Oh. It doesn''t have anything to do with Lucian. I just don''t want to trouble you." She defended Lucian


    as she didn''t want Jonny getting the wrong idea about Lucian.


    After all, their rtionship was still unstable. If anything happened, things would only get worse


    between them.


    "In my eyes, you''re still the little elf that needs my protection. Get in the car," Jonny said, his eyes filled


    with affection.


    The moment she heard Jonny call her "the little elf," Amelia''s heart softened so she nodded in


    agreement.


    On the inside, Amelia couldn''t help but think how Jonny was once again saving her. She was very


    grateful for him. If not for him, she didn''t know if she could have moved past her grief over losing her


    mother.


    "Amelia, you don''t look good," Jonny said after they got on the car.


    Even though Amelia already knew that, she still touched her face uneasily. Smiling awkwardly, she


    exined, "I drank coffee before going to bedst night so I didn''t really sleep well."


    The words had already left her mouth before she realized that she didn''t really need to exin herself.


    She had a cup of coffeest night while she was waiting for Lucian to get home. However, by the time it


    was gettingte, she found that she was already having trouble sleeping.


    "Why would you drink coffee before sleeping?" Jonny asked in curiosity, shing her a grin.


    Amelia decided to just not respond, scolding herself on the inside.


    When they arrived at the Zhan Group, they pulled over a few blocks away. Amelia was restless the


    entire time as she could feel that Jonny intentionally slowed down his driving. However, she knew it


    would be impolite to rush him so she would just check the time every now and then.


    Fortunately, she wasn''tte. Just before she got off the car, she checked the time¡ªshe still had enough


    time. However, suddenly, Jonny said in a puzzled tone, "Amelia, there are a lot of things that you don''t


    know about Lucian. He has a lot of secrets."


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Upon hearing this, Amelia grew so preupied with her thoughts that she didn''t even notice that she


    was in same elevator as Sasha.


    She didn''te to her senses until she heard Sasha''s voice.


    "It seems that someone didn''t sleep wellst night," Sashamented snidely. It was obvious that


    Amelia was exhausted¡ªjust a single nce at her and one could easily tell that she didn''t sleep well


    that night.


    Amelia reached out her hand to brush a wisp of hair off her face, pretending that she didn''t hear Sasha.


    She merely stood still and waited until the elevator opened so she could get away from Sasha as soon


    as possible.


    "That''s right. Lucian was with mest night. How would you sleep well knowing that?" Sasha said


    again. Chuckling, she continued, "Last night, we had several drinks together then we talked then we...."


    Sasha was interrupted by the opening of the elevator door. With that, Amelia stalked off leaving Sasha


    behind.


    Upon entering the office, the first thing she noticed was that Lucian wasn''t there¡ªmuch to her relief.


    She sat down on her chair and rubbed her swollen eyes, intending to get a cup of tea to refresh herself.


    As soon as she put the tea leaves into her tea cup, the office door swung open¡ªLucian had juste


    in.


    Amelia''s hands trembled in response which caused her to spill a few tea leaves on the table. She


    grabbed a paper towel to clean up the small mess she made. When she threw the paper down on the


    waste basket, she kept her face hidden in an attempt to hide the panic that was written all over it.


    "Eric, please go to the canteen and get breakfast for two people," Lucian said inly. He wore a beige


    suit which fit him well. He then walked over to Amelia and asked in concern, "Didn''t you sleep wellst


    night?"


    Amelia couldn''t help but be moved¡ªstill, that didn''t change the fact that he didn''te home.


    ''I didn''t sleep well because of you,'' she thought to herself. But how could she say that out loud?


    "I fell asleep around eight but I woke up in the middle of the night and I wasn''t able to fall back asleep."


    She tried to exin for herself in a way that showed she didn''t really care about him.


    Lucian gazed at her, a strange look on his face. The corners of his lips curved into a sort of smirk.


    Amelia ignored this look on his face as she offered, "Would you like some coffee?" She knew he


    always had coffee in the morning.


    "Yes," he said coldly as he took off his coat. He then unbuttoned the two top buttons of his shirt before


    sitting behind his desk.


    The heater was on which made the office warm¡ªa nice change to the cold weather outside.


    Lucian looked especially handsome in his suit. He looked aristocratic and elegant¡ªmore than he


    usually did.


    After Amelia finished preparing his coffee, Eric knocked on the door and entered. He said simply, "Mr.


    Lucian, breakfast is ready. Please move to the next room for it."

 Chapter 76 In The Throes of Impassioned Fury

    Chapter 76 In The Throes of Impassioned Fury


    "Please, take this with you." Amelia handed the coffee to Lucian then returned to her desk. Her


    shoulders slumped as she seated her tired form on her chair.


    Lucian looked at the cup in his hand, and then turned his confused gaze to her. "Didn''t you hear what


    Eric had just said? Come on, let''s go to the next room and have breakfast."


    "He meant me too?" Amelia asked, her surprise evident in her voice. Did she hear him right?


    When Lucian mentioned the two-people breakfast, she had thought that was for him and another


    person. She didn''t expect that his invitation meant her.


    To anyone else, the offer would have been tempting. Amelia hadn''t had her breakfast yet, andst


    night, sleep had evaded her. Theck of sleep was evidently showing¡ª she was listless and she had


    lost her appetite, as if her anxiety had taken up all the space inside her body.


    "Let''s go and have breakfast together." Lucian reached out to her, coaxing her with his gentle voice.


    Amelia was hesitant. She was not used to such gestures and gave him an awkward smile. "I had


    already eaten at home."


    Lucian frowned in displeasure at her answer. "I asked Lily. She told me that you left home today without


    having even a bite to eat." His voice dropped lower as he continued, "I hate when you lie."


    "I, uhm..." Amelia was unable to conjure up an excuse for her lie. She hung her head silently as she felt


    shame wash over her. No matter how hard she tried to conjure up an excuse, she couldn''t seem to find


    words to dilute the blow. She had been dishonest, and she would only be more shameless if she tried


    to cover it up with another deceit.


    Sighing, Lucian walked closer to her and led her by the arm to the office next door. A feast had been


    laden on the table, with all sorts of dishes lined up one after another. Amelia raised a hand to her emptyThis is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    stomach and sat down, settling with a bowl of millet porridge.


    Lucian frowned at her choice for a meal. "Is that all? You didn''t have breakfast today. Aren''t you feeling


    hungry by now?"


    He was bing more and more upset with each passing minute. Lucian had already had breakfast


    himself, but knowing that Amelia hadn''t yet, he had especially asked Eric to prepare all this. And yet


    she chose one meager and dull bowl of porridge. Lucian swallowed his disappointment and remained


    silent as she ate.


    "I''m finished. I''m full now, so I''ll go first." Amelia got up quickly and walked back to the office, not giving


    a dissatisfied Lucian a chance to stop her.


    He watched her until she had disappeared from the door and turned to Eric. "Are you 100% sure that it


    was Jonny who drove Mrs. Amelia to thepany this morning?" he asked seriously.


    "Yes, sir. I am certain it was Mr. Jonny. Although, I did notice something odd. The car stopped ten


    meters away from thepany. One would think he was avoiding someone," Eric reported carefully.


    Shadows crossed over Lucian''s features as he listened. This was the worst. Looking at the untouched


    dishes on the table, he said coldly, "Take that away."


    Only a brief moment passed when Lucian came into the office. Amelia had assumed that he would be


    taking longer to have his breakfast, but she had been wrong.


    Swiftly, she turned her eyes to her desk and bent over it, avoiding him. ''Be calm. Act natural,'' she said


    to herself, trying her best to keep things normal.


    Lucian sat down on his own desk and nced at her. There she was, working with such attention on


    her tasks one would think paperwork was a matter of life-and-death. He said indifferently, "I don''t have


    any scheduled meeting this morning. You can go to the backroom and have some rest."


    Amelia momentarily paused from what she was doing but said quickly, "It doesn''t matter. I''ll stay


    anyway." She gave him a small smile, still as awkward as the first one earlier. By this time, she had


    grown ustomed to her nerves. Hoping it would lighten her worries, she took a sip of ginger tea.


    That distant, lifeless smile blew the fuse. "That wasn''t a request, Amelia," he said, his voice hoarse with


    restrained anger. She had been testing his patience for far too long now.


    These cold words of his did not hide Lucian''s anger from Amelia. However, she chose to feign


    innocence as she proceeded to work. A few minutester and he had still not said anything. The room


    was stifling with the weight of the tense silence that had passed over them. Amelia continued sorting


    out the items on the table until there was nothing left to do.


    Holding her breath, she stole a nce at Lucian and saw him browsing some documents. He seemed


    calmer now. Thinking that he had already forgotten what he told her to do, Amelia let out a quiet sigh of


    relief. She took her phone and decided to browse the inte to kill time, if only to kill her lethargy.


    "Bang Bang Bang..." The silence was broken with a heavy knock on the door. "Come in," Lucian said.


    The door opened to the sight of Eric, cautiously stepping inside. "Mr. Lucian, Mr. Jonny is here," he


    announced.


    "Mr. Jonny?" At the mention of the man''s name, Amelia whirled her head to Lucian''s direction. Two


    pairs of eyes met. She had no idea what was going on and she certainly had not expected this.


    "Send him in." Lucian kept his eyes on Amelia as he answered, smiling at her almost mockingly. He


    couldn''t help but feel gratified at the sight of her wide eyes. She had put him through a lot of trouble


    today. It was payback time.


    Amelia could not for the life of her decipher what he meant with that smile. She was the first to cut off


    their gazes, lowering her head as her heartbeat picked up its pace.


    "Lucian, it''s always a pleasure to see you." Jonny''s voice sounded from the door, as bright and warm


    as the sunshine in spring.


    Amelia raised her head and smiled in greeting. It was a courtesy. Jonny turned around and nodded,


    returning the gesture.


    However, the otherwise ordinary exchange seemed to have captured Lucian''s eyes differently. His grin


    had disappeared and a vague, unreadable expression was in his eyes, as if he was conflicted about


    something.


    "Jonny, I thought you were busy. I didn''t expect you toe so soon. How''s everything going?" He


    stood up, and the two men shook hands. Then, Lucian pointed to the leather sofa and said, "Have a


    seat."


    As she watched, Amelia was wondering whether she should make a cup of tea. Her question was


    quickly answered the next minute when Lucian said, "Amelia, could you make a cup of coffee for


    Jonny, please?"


    "Alright. It''ll only be a minute," she answered. Her cheeks burned with an embarrassment she couldn''t


    ce.


    After some small talk, Lucian had diverted the conversation to ask about Jonny''s personal life out of


    nowhere. His words had been friendly, but his tone had the undercurrents of malice, as if he was


    implying something else.


    Amelia walked in and gently set the cup of coffee down in front of Jonny. "Here you go. Enjoy your


    coffee," she said politely.


    Jonny chuckled as he reached for the cup. "Amelia, you will surely do great in a caf¨¦," he remarked


    casually.


    Amelia''s head shot to Lucian''s direction, her face turning red. Her eyes met his dark gaze, which made


    her even more nervous. She answered quickly, "I used to work part-time in a caf¨¦, so I guess you could


    say that I already have the experience."


    Sheughed lightly in an attempt to shake off the strange atmosphere that had surrounded them. She


    didn''t know why, but she feltpelled to exin herself.


    All the while, Lucian regarded them with sharp eyes. Something in his gut stirred as he watched the


    two of them.


    "Why don''t you make yourself a cup? I''m sure you know that it would be good for your spirit," he said.


    Lucian''s tone was light, but his words were sharp as he spoke.


    By now, Amelia''s nerves had once again gotten the best of her, so much that she found herself nodding


    obediently.


    The scent of freshly made coffee permeated every corner of the room. And yet, even the rxing


    aroma was unable to ward off the tension.


    "Lucian, are you inviting me to have just a cup of coffee?" Jonny spoke, breaking the silence. Three


    months had already passed since Jonny hade back and not once had Lucian met him. There must


    be something else in Lucian''s mind to make him summon Jonny all the way to his office.


    Was it about Amelia? Had he figured something out? Jonny was afraid of what he might know.


    Lucian gave him a meaningful smile. The next words he spoke shocked Amelia. "This morning you


    sent my wife to thepany, so I asked her to make a cup of coffee for you to express her gratitude.


    This is just a way to say thank you." Lucian''s smile grew broader and more forced as he finished


    speaking. That, mixed with the sharp scent of coffee, almost sent a shiver down Jonny''s skin.


    However, he recovered quickly from being caught off-guard. His expression shifted once again to that


    warm, sunny demeanor. Only his eyes had remained cold.


    "Thank you. What a wonderful gesture. Of course, I''ll take it," he said. Jonny took a sip of coffee, then


    held the cup to Amelia and smiled. "The coffee is sweet. Thank you, Mrs. Amelia."


    That was a strange thing to say. The coffee had not been sweet at all. It was strong, and ck, and


    somewhat bitter.


    Amelia was bewildered at his words. She opened her mouth to speak but decided against it when she


    saw Lucian''s cold expression. Instead, she remained in her seat and just watched Jonny leave without


    saying a word.


    The door clicked shut, and then there was a dead silence.


    Amelia wanted to say something, anything to break the strained air that surrounded them, but nothing


    came to her.


    "Are you unhappy?" All of a sudden, Lucian''s voice pierced the silence with a biting coldness.


    How ironic.


    Amelia turned to Lucian. There was barely any expression on his handsome features. "Did you ask him


    toe here because he drove me to work this morning?" she asked.


    She almost didn''t recognize her own voice. It hade out almost as a whisper¡ª the foreign sound


    bouncing off the walls in the cold cidity of the room.


    Lucian looked at her and said calmly, "Yes. I wanted to teach him a lesson."


    "Teach him a lesson? What does that even mean?" Amelia''s voice was stronger now. She could not


    believe what she had just heard. The man in front of her was being nothing but unreasonable.


    "Are you questioning me, Amelia Mo?" Lucian snapped, forcefully articting her full name.


    "Do I not even have that right?" Amelia countered, "You were the one who took me as a wife. But that''s


    all there is to it right? There isn''t even any trust between us!"


    How dare he throw those words at her when he was the one who had note back the night before?


    His absence had weighed on her, but he did not hear a word ofint. She bore her anxiousness


    alone. Then, just as she felt that she should trust him, here he was, with nothing but usations when


    she had done nothing wrong.


    "Exactly!" Lucianshed out in frustration. "You are my wife. Do you understand what that means? Do


    you even know how much I think about you?" He stood up from the sofa, towering over Amelia as his


    eyes locked in on her. Beside him, Amelia seemed small and fragile. She felt the waves of his anger


    crash against her own.


    Amelia felt a cold feeling settle in her chest. Fear. She took a step back, putting some distance


    between them. cing her hands on the desk, she took deep breaths to calm herself. After a while,


    she looked at him once again and said,


    "Lucian, when you were with Sashast night, do you know how I felt?" Amelia''s voice quivered as she


    began toy all her feelings down. She felt vulnerable, as if nothing else protected her now. "I was


    happy to be your wife, and you treated me like I was precious. I had always done as you said and I had


    always been cautious not to embarrass you, but every time I had dinner with Jonny or talked to him,


    you change suddenly greatly. Why are you being like this? Did I do something wrong? Is this some sort


    of twisted cruel punishment?"


    Had Jonny had not warned Amelia that she couldn''t let Lucian that they had already known each other


    since ten years ago, she could have caused a huge misunderstanding. It was already quite obvious


    that Lucian did not like Jonny, and if that was the case, his dislike might extend even to her, seeing how


    Amelia and Jonny had long known each other.


    Lucian''s eyes darkened into the deepest shade of night. He leaned over Amelia, sping the marble


    table with his hands and trapping her with his body. He hadpletely blocked her, leaving no chance


    of escape. A sharp, burning gaze met Amelia''s eyes as Lucian forced her chin upward with one hand.


    "Now you''re calling me cruel all because of that man?" he asked, his voice cial with coldness.


    The man in front of her was no better than a stranger. Amelia''s chest beat wildly as she felt the anger


    from his fingertips.


    She struggled as his body barricaded hers, but Lucian''s hold only grew tighter.


    "Isn''t that the truth?" she challenged him.


    She seemed calm on the outside, but her entire body was screaming for escape against the callous


    grasp that held her in ce.


    Amelia understood perfectly that Lucian''s temper had reached dangerous height, but was not going to


    back down. If she submitted to him this time, then she would really have no respect left.


    "Alright, then. Since you seem to have made up your mind, I''ll be exactly as you think of me!" The next


    moments flew by almost like a blur. Lucian released Amelia''s face as his hands tore at her clothes. His


    movement was screaming of fury.


    Amelia could only watch for a shocked, uprehending minute as the fabric of her clothes was


    ripped. The next moment, she was desperately pushing Lucian away and shouting at him, "Lucian,


    what are you doing? Have you lost your mind!"


    She was at odds. This man, looking at her with such fury that she trembled from the force of it, was he


    truly her husband? She looked at him, hopelessly searching to reconcile the disparate memory of


    gentle hands that touched her with nothing but warmth, or the eyes that looked towards her direction


    with tenderness. As he heaved long, enraged breaths, she recoiled in horror. She could see nothing but


    a monster.


    At the sound of the fear in her voice, Lucian broke through the throes of impassioned anger. Amelia


    was pale and wide-eyed with rm, her shaking hands clutching at her ripped clothes as she crouched


    away from him. He felt as if he had been doused in ice. What had he done? Even then, as he was


    being eaten from the insides with guilt, he was unable to bring himself to apologize. "Stay away from


    Jonny!" he snarled.

 Chapter 77 Drunk In A Bar

    Chapter 77 Drunk In A Bar


    Only when Amelia was left alone in the spacious office did she copse on the ground weakly. At that


    moment, she remembered thest thing Lucian told her.


    ¡®Because of Jonny, he...¡¯ The more Amelia thought about it, the more aggrieved she felt. Her tears


    slowly rolled down her cheeks into the hard floor as her heart ached.


    That day, Amelia couldn¡¯t concentrate. She had a lot of things to attend to, but she couldn''t bring


    herself to do them. Because of that, she resigned to spending the whole day inside her office. When


    lunch time came around and Eric came to her office to ask her out, she quickly came up with an excuse


    not to go. "I¡¯ve already ordered mine online," she lied. Having not sleptst night, she decided to get


    some rest. By the time she woke up, it was already dark outside.


    She silently fumbled for the phone beside her table. ¡®Seven o¡¯clock in the evening,¡¯ she thought,


    surprised by how her day just came and went. It also surprised her that she missed two calls from Lily.


    Slowly, she got up and proceeded to turn on all the lights in the office. As she was looking around the


    room, a thought suddenly urred in her head. ¡®Should I go back to the SJ Garden?¡¯ she thought


    gloomily. ¡®Because if I don¡¯t go back... where will I go?¡¯


    Courtney, when she broke up with Kent, decided to stay at her parents¡¯ mansion for days, refusing to


    see anyone. Her case was a tad bit different from that, however. If she went back to her parents¡®


    house, she would definitely beughed at by Sophia.


    As Amelia left the Zhan Group¡¯s building, she felt the quietness all around her. She walked along the


    dark road not knowing where to go. Her onlypanions were the distant neon lights, but they did not


    give her anyfort. She felt more alone than ever before, an indescribable feeling of sadness raging


    inside her.


    ¡®Did Lucian really get angry this time? Is that why he didn''t call me?¡¯ When she caught herself having


    these thoughts, she sneered. "Hey, Amelia," she said with a firm voice. "You were right. You do not


    have any reason to be upset, so stop it."


    Her phone rang not long after she left. Seeing that it was a stranger''s number, she hung up.


    When the chilly wind blew, she shivered. It made her remember that her shirt was torn by Lucian, and


    so she tightened her coat around her, hoping to warm herself up.


    Her phone vibrated again. This time, however, it wasn¡¯t a call: it was a message from the same number


    that called her a while ago. ¡®What does this person want from me?¡¯ she thought, starting to get


    annoyed. She sighed, rolled her eyes, and opened the message. It said: "Sister-inw, this is Jessie.


    Lucian is in Moon Bar, heavily drunk. He is shouting your name at the top of his lungs! Pleasee


    over here quick!"


    Amelia¡¯s hands began shaking. Whether it be because of the cold weather or her care for Lucian she


    didn¡¯t care¡ªall she knew was that she needed to be where Lucian was.


    She quickly stood by the roadside to hail a taxi. One stopped a few moments after, and in no time they


    were zooming towards Moon Bar.


    A few minutester, Amelia was already standing in from of the bar. Upon seeing the establishment¡¯s


    facade, memories started to flood Amelia''s mind: three months ago, she just broke up with her ex-


    boyfriend. She was here to get drunk and to forget all the pain she was experiencing, but Lucian


    brought her back home.


    The Moon Bar was bustling with celebrities and handsome men. Everyone was smiling and happily


    chatting with someone, except for Amelia, whose face was full of concern. Soon enough, Jessie¡¯s voice


    pierced through all the noise. "Sister-inw! We¡¯re here!"


    Amelia quickly looked for Jessie and scurried towards where Jessie was when she found her. They


    were in the VIP section and Lucian was incredibly drunk.


    When she arrived, Lucian was drunkenly talking about something, but she couldn¡¯t understand him.


    Aside from his slurred speech, she couldn''t hear him well because of the noise inside the bar.


    "Sister-inw, Lucian''s car is parked in front of the bar. Do you think you can drive him home? I have


    work to do."


    "That¡¯s okay, Jessie. I will." The first thing Amelia needed to do was to take the drunken Lucian out of


    the bar.


    Because she obviously couldn¡¯t do it alone, she found a waiter and asked him for help. Together, they


    assisted Lucian out of the bar and into his car.


    "Amelia..." Lucian whispered as he slouched on the car¡¯s backseat. "I am... sorry... I... didn''t mean to..."


    Upon hearing this, Amelia couldn¡¯t help but feel bad for Lucian.


    "Why did you have to drink so much!" she whispered back, fighting back her tears. She started the car


    and they were off in no time.


    After a few minutes of travel, they finally arrived at SJ Garden. Amelia took a deep breath before she


    got out of the car and into the backseat to help Lucian, who was already fast asleep. Despite exerting


    her best efforts, she wasn¡¯t able to wake the drunk man, let alone move him. In the end, she had to ask


    Lily for help.


    Lily promptly went out and came to her aid. At that moment, Lucian seemed to be at least half-awake,


    and so he was able to cooperate with the two girls who were trying to get him out of the car. Soon


    enough, the three were already walking towards the vi.


    Since alcohol had greatly affected Lucian¡¯s sense of bnce, Amelia was incredibly worried that he


    would fall down. Because of that, she made sure that she was supporting him with her whole body. She


    did that until they arrived in his bedroom and put him to bed.


    While Lily went to the kitchen to make tea, Amelia busied herself with wiping Lucian¡¯s face with a warm


    towel in hopes of sobering him up.


    Few minutes passed and Lily came back with freshly brewed tea and cups. She carefully poured one


    out for Amelia and handed it to her. "Mr. Lucian asked me to cook dinner," she quietly told Amelia. "He


    also told me to make your favorite dishes."


    The revtion surprised and confused Amelia. She turned to the man who was peacefully asleep in


    bed and thought about how she knew nothing about him.


    Despite quarreling a lot in the office ¡ª all because of Jonny ¡ª they still looked after and took care of


    each other dearly. ¡®You¡¯re making it difficult for me to get angry with you, Lucian,¡¯ Amelia thought,


    sighing.


    The night went on and soon, Lily told Amelia to get some rest. "It¡¯s fine," Amelia declined, smiling. "I¡¯ll


    be here. You should sleep." With the amount of alcohol Lucian consumed, she was so worried that he


    might not sleep well. Because of that, she decided it would be better if she stayed by his side and


    wiped him down as needed. It was already dawn when she finally went to sleep.


    A nasty headache woke Lucian up. Before he could even open his eyes, he was already massaging his


    temples. ¡®Fuck,¡¯ he cursed inwardly, trying to remember what happenedst night. He hastily opened


    his eyes and the familiar scene surrounding himforted him a little. As he was looking around, he


    saw a familiar sight in his bedside: Amelia, who was fast asleep. He suddenly sat up straight.


    The attitude he had towards Amelia yesterday was uncalled for. Even he was ashamed of it. The longer


    he looked at the woman sleeping next to him, the guiltier he felt. Because of that, he quickly and


    carefully got out of bed, picked her up, and gentlyid her down on his bed.


    "Sorry couldn¡¯t even begin to epass what I am feeling right now," he whispered as he stared at


    Amelia¡¯s delicate features.


    When Amelia woke up, it was already time for lunch. Two things surprised her upon gaining


    consciousness: first, that she was lying on the bed; and second, that Lucian was gone. Somehow, she


    became nervous, and so she quickly got out of bed. She was nning on going downstairs to have a


    look, but before she did, she noticed a man sitting on the sofa inside the bedroom.


    Astonishment was on Lucian¡¯s face. This somehow reminded Amelia of how bad his temper could get,


    and she started feeling afraid.


    She became frozen on the spot where she was standing and could only stare intently at Lucian.


    Lucian stood up. With a smile on his face, he said gently, "Are you hungry? Lily prepared lunch."


    This took Amelia by surprise, but it helped her rx a little bit. She took a deep breath, and though


    embarrassed, said, "I''m... I¡¯m going to wash my face and brush my teeth first."


    She still wanted to ask him if he had sobered up or if he was having any kind of stomach issue, but


    seeing the way he looked at her made her ufortable. Because of that, she made a beeline for the


    bathroom.


    Sometimes, the distance between them was non-existent, but sometimes, it was as if they were miles


    away from each other.


    As they went from one extreme to the other, they both got confused about what they truly were to each


    other.


    When lunch came, Amelia made her way to the dining room fresh and all cleaned up. She sat down


    next to Lucian, who was already seated, and they began eating. Lucian kept putting food into Amelia¡¯s


    bowl, but she didn¡¯t say anything and continued eating. Neither of them felt the need to talk, and so


    they ate in silence.


    Since it was Friday, they didn''t have to work. Because of that, Lucian thought that it would be great if


    they go somewhere together for the day.


    Even though Amelia was still not over what happened yesterday, she agreed with Lucian¡¯s ns. ¡®Well,


    he¡¯s a lot nicer to me today. Maybe it¡¯s not such a bad idea,¡¯ she thought.


    Before they departed, Amelia changed what she was wearing. With a woolen overcoat, jeans, and


    white sneakers, she looked extremely chic. Her outfit was effortlesslyplementing her figure, and


    she looked more beautiful than ever.


    Lucian matched Amelia perfectly, though identally. He wore a simple yet extremely elegant


    sportswear, and he looked dashing. When he saw Amelia, he couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡®She is so


    beautiful,¡¯ he thought. ¡®And we look good together!¡¯


    In the car, Lucian fastened the safety belt for Amelia as usual. The moment he bent down, the familiar


    fragrance of mint filled her nose. It had an unprecedented effect on her, and it fascinated her.


    Their adventure then started. By the afternoon, however, the sky was overcast, as if it was going to rain


    hard.


    They were almost out of downtown by then. After another half an hour''s ride, their car stopped at the


    foot of a hill. Lucian pointed at the hill in the distance and whispered to Amelia, "It will take about twenty


    minutes to get there. Let me carry you."


    Amelia looked at the green slope and shook her head. "No, I can walk by myself."


    Her cheeks flushed bright red as a shy smile bloomed on her lips. She felt that the reaction made the


    embarrassing moment a bit lighter.


    Lucian, upon seeing Amelia¡¯s smile, became extremely amused.


    Although it looked very far, the end of the slope really wasn¡¯t hard to reach. After passing the stone


    steps, they should be able to reach the ce that Lucian had pointed.


    The two then promptly got out of their car and started their way uphill. The moment they reached the


    middle of the slope, Amelia was already out of breath. Upon seeing this, Lucian stopped and reached


    for her hand. While doing so, his other hand was handing her a cold bottle of water. He said


    affectionately, "Drink some."


    Amelia grabbed the bottle and quickly drank from it. After that, he took Lucian¡¯s hand and pulled herself


    through the slope. When she sessfully got over that, she tried to let go of Lucian¡¯s hand.


    Unfortunately, Lucian was not nning on letting her go. The more she struggled, the more he tried to


    cling onto her hand. It seemed that he was teasing her. "Want your hand back? Show me your pretty


    smile first."


    "What? Why?" Amelia¡¯s eyes widened as if threatening him and she forcibly snatched her hand away.


    She was pretending not to understand what Lucian was trying to do.


    But in fact, she understood what Lucian was trying to do. She just felt too embarrassed to respond to it,


    and so she had to use such techniques to deflect his advances.


    She then remembered how he was so drunk and apologeticst night. ¡®Look at this man,¡¯ she thought,


    slightly amused. ¡®Such duality. I¡¯ve never met anyone like him.¡¯N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    Amelia didn¡¯t realize how big she was smiling. She didn¡¯t even realize that Lucian was drinking from the


    bottle she just drank from a while back.


    Somehow, he seemed to be enjoying the cold drink he was having.


    "Aren''t you a clean freak?" she suddenly asked, remembering the one defining trait Lucian had: a clean


    freak. Whenever Lucian would go to the construction site, he would make sure that everything he


    brought was as clean as they could be. Amelia knew him to be like that, and so seeing him act like this


    was surprising to her.


    Lucian ignored Amelia¡¯s questions. Instead, he just pointed at the remaining stone steps and said,


    "There are too many steps left. Wanna let me lead you?"


    At this point, she started bing confused as to why Lucian brought her to this ce. She was


    incredibly tired, but considering that she was already halfway through, she didn''t want to give up. ¡®And


    besides, I¡¯m kind of having so much fun with Lucian today,¡¯ she thought, smiling.


    She didn¡¯t want to admit that, but she couldn¡¯t deny it.


    Staring at Lucian''s fair and obviously strong hands, she could not say no. With a sigh, she reached out


    and held his hand.


    The moment her hand touched his, a surge of electricity went down her spine. It was something she


    could not exin, but she weed it with all of her heart.


    They trekked the slope together, and after some tiring minutes, they reached the peak of the mountain.


    Amelia looked around the green scenery and it took her breath away. "This is... incredible!" she


    breathlessly said. The view was stunning and the air was fresh. She was ecstatic.


    "Come here," Lucian invited affectionately. Amelia walked closer to him, and together, they walked


    towards a tombstone.


    There were no words on the tombstone, except for a ck and white photo. In the photo was a woman


    who was smiling gently. Upon closer look, she realized that she looked a lot like Lucian.


    "Mom, this is my wife," Lucian gently said. "I mentioned her to you yesterday. I promised that I would


    bring her to you, and now, here she is." The smile that was on Lucian¡¯s face was something that Amelia


    had never seen on him.


    Aside from that, she was caught off guard by what she had heard. If the woman on the gravestone was


    Lucian''s mother, who was Fannie?


    Despite her mind being a mess at that moment, she was not absent-minded. With respect, she bowed


    to the beautiful woman on the tombstone and whispered, "Mom."


    "Mom, don''t worry. Amelia and I will live happily for the rest of our whole lives." Lucian¡¯s eyes were


    sparkling as he promised to the beautiful woman on the tombstone that he and Amelia would live


    happily forever.

 Chapter 78 Still Unable To Be Admitted

    Chapter 78 Still Unable To Be Admitted


    Those honest words were more touching than the announcement made in the church.


    Lucian had told Amelia of his whereabouts after work two days ago when they went down the


    mountain.


    Back then, he had prepared everything before going. But who knew Sasha would propose to


    participate in the worship with him? She knew it was Fiona''s death anniversary. He had reluctantly


    agreed because he didn''t want her to stay in the office. Although he refused to go with Sasha after


    work.


    Sasha had said those words to ignite jealousy in Amelia''s heart. Who could have thought that Sasha


    wanted Amelia and Lucian to fight?


    The couple got in the car. Lucian turned toward Amelia and gazed at her affectionately. "Amelia, use


    your brain from now on." His voice carried a hint of love.


    Amelia nodded. "I won''t be fooled the next time." Now that Amelia had been fooled twice, she was too


    scared to believe in Sasha''s words.


    Lucian turned to focus on the road with a smile on his face. "I wouldn''t have known how much my wife


    cared about me if it weren''t for Sasha." He was pleased. The distressing event that happened


    yesterday was forgotten.


    "Lucian, can you promise me something?" She decided to reveal her heart to him when he was in a


    good mood.


    "Last night, you picked me from the bar already. You don''t have to ask me like this." Lucian acted like


    he knew what Amelia was going to say.


    She hesitated before opening her mouth. She knew that the name "Jonny" was a taboo for Lucian. Still,


    she had to make it clear to avoid future quarrels because of that name.


    "Jonny and I are just friends." Amelia nced at Lucian''s face to see his reaction. She didn''t want him


    to lose his temper because of misunderstandings.


    Her mind traveled back tost night''s incident. She knew she was emotionally unstable. A flush of guilt


    spread across her heart, and she looked down. "I shouldn''t have been angry at you. I''ll be more careful


    in the future."


    Lucian shook his head. "I said something worse, so I was wrong too..." Her confused eyes gazed at


    Lucian. It seemed he wasn''t angry anymore. She sighed in relief, thinking she had apologized on time.


    He stared on the road and said, "I owe Sasha a lot. My mother... I mean, Fannie had harmed Sasha in


    the past." That''s why he broke the rules to invite Sasha to the Zhan Group.


    "I know." Amelia''s lips stretched to form a bright smile, and she confidently said, "I am the only one in


    your heart!"


    Lucian''s shoulders rxed, and he rolled his eyes at her. "It''s difficult to forget that when my wife is so


    stupid." Even though he acted yfully, his heart was warm as a summer''s breeze.


    She frowned, sending a re at him. "I''m not stupid. I just didn''t want to hide anything from you.


    Weren''t you the one praising me for being smart days ago?" Lucian had said that she was both stupid


    and smart. She didn''t know what to think of that.


    They had made up now anyway. Even though the weather was foggy, Amelia''s heart was shining like


    the sun.


    Amelia looked at Lucian from the corner of her eyes. The experience and pain of losing her mother was


    simr to that of Lucian''s. Fannie was the younger sister of Fiona, who married Nichs after Lucian''s


    mother passed away. Still, Lucian couldn''t give Fannie the mother''s title and avoided that for a long


    time. Fannie didn''t care anymore when he grew up.


    "So, you were in such a hurry to get married because of her?" Amelia didn''t want to stop asking


    questions. It was rare for him to answer without hesitation.


    Lucian pressed his lips in a thin line. "It was one of the reasons."


    "Okay, I''m officially screwed." That was why Fannie hated her to death. Amelia had ruined Fannie''s


    ns by marrying Lucian.


    "Actually, you were supposed to be a substitute, but now we are on the same page." Lucian presented


    her with a relieved smile after sharing this with Amelia.


    Amelia averted her eyes. She didn''t want to talk about this anymore and looked at Lucian again. "Don''t


    worry, Lucian. Your father is a good man." Lucian''s heart would be distressed if they talked about


    Fannie.


    He frowned and said something even more puzzling, "He is an old man, and he sits in a wheelchair. Of


    course, you''ll think he is good."


    Amelia didn''t know what to say. An ufortable silence embraced them. She nced at Lucian and


    said, "Forget it. Let bygones be bygones."


    Even though Amelia said those words to break the ufortable silence, it touched Lucian''s heart. He


    stopped at the signal and gazed at her with sincere and affectionate eyes.


    "Why are you looking at me like that?" Every time Lucian looked at her like this, a trace of blush would


    crawl on her cheeks.


    "Because you''re right," Lucian said and looked away, focusing on the road. His lips curved up to form a


    smile.


    It was the weekend, and Amelia woke upte. Naturally, Lucian had turned off the rm clock so that


    Amelia could sleep a bit longer. By the time Amelia woke up, she found Lucian sitting on the couch,


    drinking coffee, and staring intently on the newspaper in his hand.


    Amelia gazed at the man on the sofa and smiled. "Good morning Lucian." Just as she was about to


    enter the bathroom, she heard faint greeting words. Amelia turned to look at smiling Lucian, who


    looked at her with love and care. Warmth flooded in her heart, and she hurriedly entered the bathroom.


    Half an hourter, she stepped out, but Lucian was nowhere to be found. Maybe he was sleeping?


    She was surprised when she found Lucian getting the table ready for breakfast. While eating, he


    casually told her that he had to visit the Zhan mansion as he failed to go on New Year''s Day. He


    couldn''t just ignore Fannie''s missed calls on his phone, could he?


    Amelia''s worried eyes gazed at Lucian for a long time. Lucian seemed serious about his decision. She


    swallowed her words and forced a smile, agreeing to visit with him.


    After all, Lucian had taken Amelia to her parents'' house on New Year''s Day.


    She knew it was not right to haggle over every ounce whenever she talked to him. Although she did


    feel distressed after thinking about the Zhan mansion. Fannie''s attitude had troubled her in the past.


    "Don''t worry. I''m here with you," Lucian said as he handed her the ss filled with milk.


    Amelia pouted and gulped it down. "You don''t have to be my bodyguard. Your aunt loves you to


    an extreme. And as her daughter-inw, I should try my best to get her approval."


    Lucian raised his eyebrows and gave her a thoughtful look. Amelia seemed to have a point. He gave


    her a thumbs up. "How can a woman who moved my heart be affected by such atrocities?"


    His yful eyes seemed to tease her. She could only lower her head in guilt. What atrocities? She was


    someone whocked self-confidence the most!


    When they were on the road, Lucian reminded Amelia to act as if she didn''t know Fannie was his aunt.


    It was for Amelia''s safety.


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    They soon arrived at their destination. The decoration around the Zhan mansion was filled with luxury.


    Ordinary people would be attracted to such a ce except for Amelia. She followed Lucian inside,


    lowering her head the entire time.


    Lucian hadn''t called Nichs beforeing to the mansion since it was his sudden decision. Nichs


    was sure to be surprised.


    As for Nichs, he had a book in one hand, and another was busy adjusting his nket. His lenses


    were pushed up his nose. Just as Amelia entered the room, she looked at her father-inw in a daze.


    He looked so peaceful that she hesitated before breaking the silence.


    "Sir, Mr. Lucian and Mrs. Amelia are back." Darren''s voice carried a hint of joy.


    Nichs looked up at the couple and smiled, taking off his sses. "Lucian, Amelia, you''re here."


    Just as Nichs moved his hand over the wheelchair, Amelia walked over and stopped him. Even


    though she knew he could walk, she still wanted him to rest. She couldn''t watch him walking at a


    turtle''s pace, could she? "Dad, we are here to see you since we weren''t with you for New year''s Day."


    Amelia''s actions surprised Lucian, and his eyes filled with admiration as he gazed at her.


    "Good girl." Nichs grinned and turned back to Darren. "Go and cook their favorite dishes."


    "Dad, you don''t have to do this." Lucian didn''t intend to stay for lunch. He was worried about Amelia.


    What if Fannie ended up saying something hurtful again?


    Amelia had something else in her mind. "How about this? You talk to dad, and I''ll cook lunch for you."


    They were here, anyway. There was nothing wrong with having lunch at Nichs''s ce.


    Lucian was so surprised that he couldn''t even utter a word. He didn''t mind staying, but what about


    Amelia? He wouldn''t let her suffer because of Fannie.


    He was surprised for a reason. Thest time when Amelia came to the Zhan mansion, she hadn''t


    wanted to stay and have a meal. She was even panicked after hearing Fannie''s voice.


    "Amelia can cook? I want to try." Nichs''s eyes glinted with expectation.


    "Her cooked dishes are always delicious." Lucian cast an approving look at Amelia.


    Amelia''s cheeks turned red, and she looked down in embarrassment. "I can cook only a few dishes."


    She rushed to the kitchen, while Lucian and Nichs went upstairs. Amelia didn''t see Fannie, and


    Nichs didn''t mention her. Even Lucian didn''t bother talking about Fannie. Amelia shrugged off


    Fannie''s thoughts and went into the kitchen, asking the servants to help her. In a few hours, her dishes


    were ready. Just as Amelia ced a bowl on the table, she heard a familiar voice. "Wow, we have so


    much food today!"


    Fannie threw her bag toward a servant. Her smiling face turned dark when she saw Amelia. She


    snorted coldly, took off her cape, and walked upstairs, ignoring everyone in the room.


    Her hate was so apparent that even Amelia became immune to it.


    A few minutester, Lucian and his father came downstairs. Seeing the dishes on the table, Nichs


    looked up. "Lunch is ready, Fannie."


    Fannie walked downstairs at a slow pace, staring coldly at Amelia. "How disappointing it must be to


    have me among your family members!"


    "Don''t talk nonsense in front of the kids!" Nichs scolded Fannie angrily.


    Fannie ignored Nichs and looked at Lucian. "Lucian, why did you let an outsider enter the kitchen?"


    Her voice carried a hint of anger, deliberately ring at Amelia.


    Lucian looked at Fannie calmly and said, "Amelia is your daughter-inw, not an outsider."


    Fannie burst outughing at that. "How funny! Last time you didn''t care if we had epted her or not.


    But now, you are calling her my legal daughter-inw!"

 Chapter 79 Soap Opera Acting

    Chapter 79 Soap Opera Acting


    Not wanting to see them fight, Amelia interrupted. "Mom! Dad! Lunch''s ready,"


    she blurted. The couple looked at Amelia who quickly averted her eyes by looking down.


    "Who are you calling Mom?" The more Amelia spoke, the more Fannie grew furious.


    "Ignore her, Amelia. Just because she doesn''t want to eat doesn''t mean we should starve ourselves,"


    said Nichs, who was only too happy to be wheeling himself into the dining room.


    Across the hall stood Lucian with a frown on his face. He watched everything in silence.


    It hadn''t urred to Amelia that things could turn this sour. She stood there, refusing to believe what


    just happened.


    Lucian approached Amelia and tried tofort her. "You don''t have to push yourself to do anything."


    Amelia was right, he thought. She didn''t have to do what Fannie wanted.


    Seeing as no one wanted her there, Fannie marched upstairs, fuming still. But before she could go, she


    turned back to scream at Lucian, "Sure! Go ahead and ignore me! But I''m doing this for your own


    good!"


    In the dining room, Nichs praised Amelia''s cooking. Fannie''s absence made the atmosphere rather


    delightful. Everyone was able to ease up and enjoy the food.


    Lucian expressed the desire to head back after lunch. Not wishing to anger Fannie more, Nichs


    didn''t press them to stay.


    "Guess what Dad told me earlier." Lucian broke the silence as they drove home. A smile was ying


    on his lips.


    Amelia shook her head.


    Lucian was ying coy to tease Amelia, but with the gentlest of smiles, he eventually confessed, "He


    said we should consider having a child."


    Amelia''s face turned a bright red. She quickly averted her eyes and pretended to look at something


    outside the car window.


    It was a good thing Lucian didn''t say anything else, or she would have turned a deeper scarlet out of


    embarrassment. The rest of the ride home was nothing but quiet.


    Monday came as it always did and Amelia had to return to Zhan Group with Lucian. Work had always


    been simple and easy, and she found that it was there where she felt most at peace.


    She felt even morefortable seeing that Lucian became more caring and attentive. This was after


    he made a promise in front of her mother''s grave that he would spend the rest of his life with Amelia.


    Work weeks in the office usually began with a meeting, and seeing that it was almost ten in the


    morning, Amelia gathered the documents she needed to prepare. With Eric''s help, they ced


    important files in the boardroom before she went to the CEO''s office to report to Lucian. They may


    have a personal rtionship, but in that building, they were boss and employee. And like everyone


    else, Amelia addressed Lucian as "Mr. Lucian" when talking to him.


    Amelia quickly familiarized herself with work processes and so she was able to adjust to everything


    with ease. During the meeting, she had all the needed files and required documents. No trouble arose


    that she didn''t have a solution to.


    It was just a standard meeting, and everyone was pleased that it ended quickly without any issue,


    especially considering that thest conference they had didn''t go as smoothly.


    After collecting her things, Amelia headed to thevatory to wash her hands. She was in the middle of


    doing so when a voice came from behind, "Don''t think that it''s going to be smooth-sailing from now on


    just because you''re married to Lucian. You will never be able to take my ce in his heart."


    It was Sasha who stepped out to meet Amelia''s gaze. She was wearing a bright red dress, an


    expensive coat, andcy ck stockings paired with stiletto heels.


    Amelia remembered that Sasha and Shelly would always wear thin silk stockings during winter.


    "Please, Miss Sasha," Amelia said. "Enough with this. Nothing you say would change anything." Amelia


    believed in Lucian. She trusted him with all her heart.


    The look of determination on Amelia''s eyes stunned Sasha. Recovering herself, she said with a smirk,


    "Lucian is out of your league. You don''t belong in his world."


    "That''s funny," Amelia affected augh. "You say that and yet Lucian and I still share the same bed


    every night." Amelia leveled her eyes with Sasha''s. She had always told herself that she wouldn''t let


    Sasha''s painful words get to her, but she''d had enough. She couldn''t let this go on.


    The words from Amelia''s mouth took Sasha by surprise. Without waiting for Sasha to respond, Amelia


    walked out and headed back to her desk.


    That she was able to say those things to Sasha stunned Amelia herself. She was already on her desk


    but she couldn''t focus on her work. Seeing the expression of agitation on her face, Lucian walked over


    and asked with concern, "Are you alright?"


    Amelia snapped back to reality and immediately put on a smile. "I''m fine," she beamed.


    "I thought I saw you looking troubled." He reached for a ss of water and offered it to her.


    "Mr. Lucian, uh," Amelia hesitated. "Can I talk to you about something that''s not rted to work?" She


    fidgeted, recalling the text message Courtney sent her.


    "I''m not really a fan of you calling me Mr," Lucian said. "I''d much rather hear you calling me honey." It


    was obvious that Lucian was enjoying teasing Amelia.


    Amelia didn''t appreciate the joke considering that she had a serious matter to discuss. But keeping her


    smile on, she continued albeit shyly, "It''s Courtney. She just broke up with her boyfriend and I really


    want tofort her. Would you mind if I clock out early to meet up with her?"


    "Well..." Closing the gap between him and Amelia, Lucian continued, "That depends. Will you give me


    something in return for my permission?"


    Lucian always looked stern and gave the coldest regards, and yet when he was teasing, he looked like


    a mischievous kid. It was impossible to hate him.


    Lucian had always enjoyed making Amelia blush, and she knew it. Nevertheless, she asked naively,


    "What do you want?"


    Lucian saw Amelia for who she was, pure and innocent. He softly told her to close her eyes.


    Amelia was hesitant, but she did as she was told.


    She was wondering why Lucian asked her to close her eyes when she felt it. Lucian held her cheek in


    his hand and nted a kiss on her lips.


    Shocked, she immediately opened her eyes. Lucian''s face was so close to hers that she could feel his


    breath on her lips. Her heart was beating loudly in her chest, and yet she didn''t feel the urge to push


    him away. Quite the opposite, she wanted nothing more than to hold him.


    But Lucian got to her first. He grabbed her in his arms and kissed her again, more passionately this


    time. Amelia never thought of that dull, old office as a site of romance, and yet she found herself


    responding to his kisses. In that moment, she wished they could stay in there forever.


    Lucian''s kisses were gentle but ardent. And the more she returned them, the more Amelia felt lost in


    his love. Withdrawing, Lucian took a strand of hair that fell on Amelia''s face and tucked it behind her


    ear. He looked at her reddened cheeks and yfully pinched her nose. "That was good," he finally


    said. "You can go. It''s okay."


    "Really?" Amelia hadn''t recovered from the heat of her passionate encounter with Lucian, and yet she


    couldn''t hide feeling happy having secured his permission to leave early.


    But despite Lucian''s assurance that it was alright, Amelia was getting second thoughts about skipping


    work. It was unprofessional to be leaving her post, and she didn''t want her colleagues to think that she


    was getting privileges for being Lucian''s wife. With these thoughts in her head, she collected herself


    and said, "I''m sorry. I should just get back to work."


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    "I''ll be leaving with you," Lucian replied. Lucian could see that Amelia was feeling bad about leaving


    early despite her clear concern for her friend.


    "Really? What a coincidence!" Except it couldn''t be a coincidence, Amelia thought. She wondered


    whether Lucian merely said what he said so she''d feel more at ease about going. Upon seeing him


    reach for his briefcase, however, Amelia followed him out.


    "Will you just drive me there or will you be following me?" Amelia asked. She was trying her best to


    read Lucian''s expression. Thetter kept his eyes on the road.


    Her thoughts went back to thest time Lucian asked to see her home. It felt like he was keeping watch


    on her at all times.


    "Sometimes, it''s not nice to ask too many questions, Mrs. Amelia." Lucian dropped her off in front of


    Courtney''s coffee shop. She closed the car door behind her, but Lucian rolled down the window and


    called out to her, "Call me when you''re ready to go home and I''ll pick you up."


    "I will." Amelia waved as she watched him drive off.


    Amelia entered an empty shop. There was no one there except for Courtney who was sitting at the bar,


    slumped over the counter.


    Amelia reached out to her. "Courtney! How many drinks have you had? Why did you drink so much?"


    There were empty bottles around Courtney who looked as if she''d been drinking the whole day. Amelia


    made the mistake of stepping on a bottle and almost fell.


    Courtney was a mess. Her hair was matted and her eyes were bloodshot. Amelia''s heart ached for


    having seen her friend in this state. She picked up the bottles strewn on the floor and set them up on


    the bar counter. She made a mental note of cleaning this up after she''d sorted Courtney out.


    Courtney had already sat up. She was trying to tidy up her hair when she met Amelia''s gaze. Courtney


    forced a wide smile. "Hey! You''re here!"


    Amelia sighed and pursed her lips. Without returning Courtney''s greeting, she tried to help her friend


    tidy up.


    "It''s terrible, Amelia. Business isn''t good these days," Courtney said. "No one''sing in. Only two


    people went in earlier to have milk tea. I don''t want to clean up anything. I don''t even have to, anyway."


    Amelia could only sigh.


    Amelia knew that Courtney opened this shop because she regarded running it as a hobby. Courtney


    also said that this business would help her save money for her wedding. But now it looked as if


    Courtney had lost every reason to keep the shop.


    "Do you want anything to drink? I can whip up something for you," Courtney asked. She stood up to go


    behind the counter but staggered all the way through.


    "Two cups of coffee, please," Amelia replied coolly.


    Courtney smiled and nodded. She grabbed two cups from the counter and went into the kitchen to pour


    some coffee. She came back, sat behind the bar, and ced a cup in front of Amelia.


    They sat in silence opposite one another. Amelia merely looked at her drink, subtly trying to gauge how


    Courtney was feeling. Courtney picked up her cup and brought it to her lips before setting it down


    again. She was looking out the window.


    "Why is it so bright out?" Courtney rubbed her eyes and rechecked.


    "That''s because the sun is still out," Amelia said with a smile. She took a sip from her cup of coffee. Her


    senses weed the bitter aroma and she found herself perking up.


    She came over tofort Courtney but she quickly realized that saying anything wouldn''t make a


    difference.


    Only Courtney could get herself out of this situation. There was nothing other people could say that


    could help her move on.


    Only two things could happen once a person''s heart gets broken: The person could break down and


    lose it, or that person could move on and forget. But even moving on was easier said than done. The


    whole process always dealt pain.


    "I''ve been thinking a lot in my family these days, Amelia." Courtney had a slight smile on her face, but it


    didn''t do anything to hide her pain. She was still looking out the window, avoiding Amelia''s probing


    eyes.


    "Remember when Jasper and I broke up and you told me that the pain I felt meant that I was growing


    up? Looking back now, those five years with him feel like a dream. It''s like I''m not even sure they


    happened." Amelia knew the feeling all too well. Only, she considered herself fortunate to have met


    Lucian. Had she never met him, she wondered if she would''ve gotten over herst rtionship as


    quickly.


    "I know that what Kent did was wrong, but the truth is, I don''t me him. I don''t think he could''ve


    helped it." Courtney tried to stop herself from crying by forcing herself into another smile. But the tears


    rolled down her face as quickly as she tried to hide them. Courtney told Amelia everything Kent told her


    about the night he betrayed her.


    It was a busy time for the sales department of Kent''spany. There were dinners with clients every


    night and Kent was required to attend them all. In one of these parties, Melissa got herself drunk. Kent


    only wanted to help Melissa get back to her hotel room, but he was equally intoxicated. One thing led to


    another, and it was toote before Kent realized his mistake.


    After that, Melissa had been trying to go after Kent, threatening that she''d tell Courtney what happened


    and break them up. Kent felt tormented because he didn''t want to lose Courtney. Moreover, he didn''t


    have the guts to confess what happened. He just didn''t say anything, even after Courtney became


    suspicious and began asking a lot of questions.

 Chapter 80 The Spring Festival

    Chapter 80 The Spring Festival


    The main reason why Kent broke up with Courtney via text, was that because Melissa was with child.


    "Don''t you think our fates are so miserable? We''ve been yed out by the same old trick!" Courtney


    sipped her coffee andughed at Amelia. "It''s so sweet!"


    Amelia bit her ruby red lips while she was thinking about what to say to her.


    "Don''t try tofort me. I have to thank that baby a little bit! I haven''t had let them go too easily if it


    weren''t for the baby''s sake!" Courtney said irritably.


    Amelia knew that Courtney was just being stubborn but deep inside, she had a soft heart, so she didn''t


    try tofort her. Instead, she casually proposed, "Do you want to go on a trip?"


    "You''ll go with me?" Courtney''s eyes lit up with excitement. It seemed that she was really serious about


    this trip.


    Amelia almost choked on her coffee.


    Amelia couldn''t say ''yes'' immediately, she wanted to ask for Lucian''s opinion first before making a


    decision. Instead, she said, "Let''s put this aside up until we can decide which city we want to go to."


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "Amelia, when my parents heard the news that I broke up with Kent, they didn''t show any sympathy


    towards me. Instead, they said that the son of one of my father''s friends just came back from his


    studies, and that we might have time to meet up for a proper introduction." Courtney rolled her eyes as


    if she couldn''t stand her family''s suggestion. But all of a sudden, her sadness washed out from her


    face.


    Amelia added, "You might want to go see and meet him. He could just be your type." Amelia knew that


    it wasn''t the right thing to say, but the mere thought of Courtney and Kent not getting back together


    made her wish that Courtney could walk out of the shadows of being love-less.


    "Do you think I''m going to be as lucky as you are to meet a handsome man like Lucian?" With a


    disappointed look on her face, Courtney switched to a more gossipy tone and asked, "What''s your


    rtionship with Lucian like?"


    "What do you mean? Our rtionship?" Amelia didn''t expect Courtney''s mood to change in an instant.


    She was surprised by her expression for a bit. Courtney''s eyes gleamed with gossip.


    "Do you want to have a wedding ceremony someday? Do you sleep with him every night? Are you


    nning to have kids? If so, how many?"


    "Stop it with the questions. I''m sure you will be alright," Amelia interrupted and responded honestly. "I


    don''t know. I just sleep in the same bed as him, that''s it."


    "Really?" Courtney was shocked at this new found information about their rtionship. She reached


    her hand out to Amelia''s forehead and said, "You don''t have a fever, do you? Are you sick?"


    Amelia felt that Courtney was talking nonsense. She shook her head and was about to head back, but


    Courtney stopped her. "Amelia, I admit that you married a good man, but love can only be maintained


    within a short period of time. Don''t be stupid every day. In the world, you think there is pure love. You''re


    25 years old, but you still don''t want to give yourself to your husband. There will be no love left between


    the two of you by then. Don''t cry to me if you''re defeated by those bitches!"


    God, was this woman''s love life cursed? She had nned tofort Courtney about her breakup with


    Kent, but instead Courtney ended up confronting her with the truth about her and Lucian.


    "You scare the shit out of me, Courtney!" Amelia stood up and poured a cup of coffee for Courtney.


    "Have a cup of coffee to lighten your mood. If you have nothing else to do right now, just go home early.


    Your family will give you unlimited warmth and love. Cherish your life!"


    Although Courtney''s father had been against her rtionship with Kent, he still cared very much for


    Courtney. Courtney was the apple of her parents'' eye. No matter how much injustice she had suffered


    outside, her father would always offer her the warmth she needed.


    To Amelia, the warmth of a family was a luxury as the thought of her mother''s death came to memory.


    Vernon was not able to make most of the decisions at home. Although he was concerned about


    Amelia, she had been used to dealing with everything on her own for as long as Sophia was in charge.


    Luckily, Courtney''s ability to recover was strong enough, so it didn''t take much dissuasion for her.


    Instead, they were talking in a more rxed way. Amelia even deliberately mocked her, saying she


    hadn''t kept it in her mind for a long time.


    Before leaving, Courtney reminded Amelia, smiling, "You''d better take my words seriously. Don''t think


    I''m kidding about this. The tastes of men change quickly, so do their hearts. You should try to do


    everything you need to win his heart, quickly. "


    For Courtney, it was a stroke of luck for Amelia to marry a man like Lucian. In her eyes, Lucian was a


    perfect man, a worthy husband. If the man she''d meet in the near future would be as perfect as Lucian,


    then her love hiatus was worth it.


    "Okay, don''t worry. I got it!" Amelia didn''t want to hear Courtney keep talking about her, so she said


    meagerly, "I''m going home to cook for Lucian and make him very happy tonight."


    "Amelia, besides cooking, there should be some practical things too, such as children!" Courtney


    muttered to her, then sent her a cunning wink.


    Amelia instantly regretted what she had just said. She should just have pretended to be dumb.


    Fortunately for Amelia, Courtney was now full of joy and smiling from ear to ear, which relieved Amelia.


    On her way back home, Amelia recalled everything that Courtney said to her this afternoon. She


    laughed slightly to herself and wondered why she was so happy.


    It was already time for dinner when she reached SJ Garden. If it wasn''t for the call from Lucian, she


    wouldn''t have remembered what she had promised him earlier when they were at Courtney''s shop.


    "I''m sorry, I lost track of time... I forgot about it after having a chat with Courtney." She blushed and


    apologized profusely to Lucian.


    She called a taxi home instead, after Lucian suggested he would pick her up. It wasn''t a big of a deal


    but she looked so bashful, making him think he had a grim face. Smiling at Amelia he shook his head,


    saying it was all right.


    "Lily has prepared the dinner. You can wash your hands and have dinner now." Not knowing why,


    Courtney''s words resonated in her mind from time to time, making her nerves feel very tense.


    "Why do you look so upset? Are you all right?" Lucian put some food in her bowl while his eyes


    lingered on her.


    She quickly lowered her head, and said it was all right, and began eating.


    "Slow down. You''re going to choke." Lucian shook his head as she gnawed down her meal.


    After dinner, Amelia decided to enjoy a variety show on the sofa. Lucian was not interested in these


    shows. He either read newspapers, or dealt with work. At ten o''clock, he started washing up and


    headed to bed.


    Time passed by very quickly. Soon enough, it was time for the Spring Festival. The weather in mid-


    February was warm. Finally, Amelia didn''t have the need to wear her thick coats anymore. Lucian had


    already prepared clothes for spring and autumn in advance. She didn''t need to worry about clothes.


    Lucian was considerate, and that made Amelia very happy. It was said that Amelia could not have met


    him if, in her former life, she hadn''t rescued the entire world.


    On the New Year''s Eve, Lucian told Amelia, "I seldom go to the Zhan mansion to celebrate the Spring


    Festival. But we''ve got a new member this year and got to have dinner with my parents."


    Amelia gave him a nod. "You should buy some presents for them."


    "That is a smart idea. My wife is so thoughtful." Lucian smiled as he doted on her with delight and


    pinched her flushed face.


    Lucian already knew what was on Nichs'' mind, so he framed a painting he had collected at the


    auction and was ready to take it to the Zhan mansion.


    The problem was that he had no idea what to give to Fannie. When faced with this predicament, Lucian


    frowned and said honestly, "I don''t know her well. I only know that she likes ying mahjong, drinking


    afternoon tea with richdies, hanging out, and gossiping about who''s wearing the most expensive


    clothes..."


    "What about buying her a dress from the mall?" If Amelia were just preparing a gift for Nichs, Fannie


    would certainly mock her.


    "Okay, that''s nice." It seemed that they couldn''t think of anything else to give Fannie, so Lucian agreed


    with Amelia''s suggestion.


    Amelia carefully ran through several dresses in the city''s most luxury shopping mall. Her heart could


    not help but tremble when she saw the price on the clothes.


    Lucian didn''t like going shopping so he was just sitting in the shop and waiting for her. She finally chose


    one item she was pleased with. The price was three thousand ny-nine dors.


    Amelia had heard from Lucian that Fannie liked topare herself with the other richdies. If she


    bought it at a cheap price, she would definitely not ept it. So she made up her mind and chose the


    dress, and when she arrived at the cashier, Lucian looked at the price and said, "The price of her usual


    clothes isn''t less than ten thousand."


    "This one is about my whole month''s sry!" eximed Amelia. She insisted on paying the bill. So, she


    took away his card from the cashier and gave her credit card instead.


    "Amelia, you sound so mean. Why don''t you let me pay for it?" Lucian whispered to Amelia.


    As soon as they walked out of the mall, Amelia showed the dress in her hand andplimented it,


    "Although it''s not that expensive, it looks pretty. I believe your mother will look so good in it."


    Seeing the serious look on her face, Lucian told her, "The year-end bonus you got, you spent it on this


    dress. This is a very sincere and thoughtful gift. As for whether she likes it or not, it doesn''t matter


    anymore. It''s the thought that counts."


    Perhaps it was during the Spring Festival that one could easily see the smiling faces of the pedestrians


    running all around the road. Amelia gazed on the colorful trees along the road, its branches and leaves


    moving in the breeze.


    When she was just a child, she looked forward to the Spring Festival the most. Besides the new clothes


    and shoes, there was also a lot of lucky money that she received. Reminiscing this, Amelia felt her


    eyes tear up before a smile appeared on her face.


    Time quickly flew by.


    The moment they reached the Zhan mansion, Amelia suddenly felt immense joy of the Spring Festival.


    Rednterns hung beneath the leaves, and red chiffon couplets decorated the entrance of the house.


    Darren stood in front of the gate, took Lucian''s stuff with a bright smile and said in a cheerful voice, "Mr.


    Nichs was so excited to know that they will be visited by you and Mrs. Amelia. He ordered the


    servants to prepare you something delectable."


    During dinner, Nichs told Amelia several times when she was eating that she was too thin and that


    she needed to eat more.


    Amelia nervously lowered her head. Sitting opposite Fannie, Amelia''s eyes always inadvertently met


    hers. During the meal, she was scared out of her wits.


    Fortunately, Lucian kept adding food to her bowl, so she wouldn''t need to be overly paranoid.

 Chapter 81 The Happy Candlelight Dinner

    Chapter 81 The Happy Candlelight Dinner


    Just as Lucian handed over the framed painting to Nichs, Nichs''s smile widened to form a


    pleasant grin.


    No matter who had made this painting, Nichs was moved by Lucian''s intention.


    Lucian had always been aloof ever since Fiona passed away. He seldom returned to the Zhan mansion


    for the Spring Festival. Nichs found it both surprising and pleasant to have dinner with his son.


    Fannie stayed silent and just stood in one corner, ring at Amelia at the same time.


    "Mom, this is what Amelia chose for you." Lucian took the clothes from the bag and handed them to


    Fannie.


    Fannie''s expressions changed at that. Her face turned from slightly surprised to indifferent in a few


    seconds. She looked coldly at Amelia and said, "I have many clothes. I don''t need these."


    Amelia''s heart trembled when Fannie rejected her gift bluntly. After recovering from her shock, she


    forced a smile.


    Before she could open her mouth, Lucian interrupted, "All right." Lucian''s expression was cold and icy


    when he stuffed the clothes back in the bag.


    "It''s the New Year''s Eve, Fannie. Why can''t you at least pretend to be happy?" Nichs couldn''t stand


    still after seeing Fannie''s behavior. Seriousness floated in his eyes when he gazed at her.


    Fannie clutched her fist tightly and red at Nichs. She took multiple breaths to suppress her anger.


    "Do I have to grin all the time just to make you happy?"


    Nichs was speechless and sighed deeply.


    Fannie ruined the serene atmosphere between Lucian and his father.


    Lucian ignored Fannie and walked toward Amelia. He held her hand gently and whispered soothingly,


    "It''s okay."


    Amelia''s lips stretched to form a faint smile. Her heart didn''t have a trace of anger or distress anymore.


    She had expected Fannie to behave like that anyway.


    After eating, both Nichs and Lucian went to the study while Amelia waited in the living room.


    Fannie was calmly staring at the cup in her hand, and she sipped it again. Fannie seemed calm on the


    surface. She didn''t even gaze at Amelia with her displeased expressions. Amelia nced at the


    woman and shifted uneasily on her seat as if she wanted to say something. She opened her mouth, but


    nothing came out. What if she ended up annoying Fannie again? The silence made her feel even more


    awkward.


    "I know Lucian and his father like you already, but I won''t. And don''t worry, I won''t ept you for the


    rest of my life," Fannie said coldly.


    Those words made Amelia''s heart feel suffocated. She averted her eyes and looked down.


    Before silence between them could be even more awkward, Lucian walked downstairs and took


    hold of Amelia''s hand. He didn''t even nce at Fannie and said, "Happy New Year, mom. We should


    go home."


    Fannie''s anger increased after seeing the two of them together, and she turned her face away. She


    picked up her coffee and continued to drink, ignoring Amelia''s and Lucian''s existence.


    Lucian dragged out his frowning wife, deciding to head home. They were silent for their entire journey.


    Just as Lucian got out of the car, he observed a weird expression on Amelia''s face. "Amelia, didn''t you


    promise not to take Fannie seriously? Why are you frowning?" His gaze carried a hint of worry when he


    gazed at her.


    Amelia touched her forehead and asked, "Did I really frown?"


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    "Like an olddy in her seventies!" Lucian had a yful smile on his lips. He urged her to sit on the


    couch and asked, "Guess why my father called me in the study?" His voice carried a hint of mystery.


    Amelia''s confused gaze cast on him before pouting when he didn''t say anything else. "I don''t know."


    He grinned and made a sound as if he was dramatically beating drums before revealing some mystery.


    Lucian took out two red packets from his coat and handed them to Amelia. "This one is from father, and


    the other one is from me."


    Amelia stared at the red packets in a daze. The packets had a lot of money. Her heart floated in the


    warmth of love.


    Her mind traveled back to when Iris used to give her red packets, especially the one Iris handed just


    before dying. Amelia used to feel distressed at this time of the year because she would be reminded of


    that painful memory. When she looked at the two red packets in her hand, her eyes moistened. She


    didn''t know what to say.


    It was the Spring Festival, and Lily had gone to her hometown to stay with her family members. That


    meant Lucian and Amelia were alone in the huge vi. It was Amelia who decided to cook for the


    Spring Festival''s Eve.


    She wore a floral apron, thinking about all the dishes she would make. Just as Amelia was about to


    start cooking, Lucian stopped her. He smiled and took her apron off. "I''ll cook dinner."


    "You can cook?" Amelia couldn''t believe what she heard. ''He can''t even wash the dishes. How can he


    cook?'' she wondered.


    "You don''t have to take care of the chores tonight. You have done enough already. Go and watch TV."


    Lucian''s voice was soft.


    Amelia rolled her eyes. She didn''t believe in Lucian''s cooking skills, but she was curious.


    He didn''t like to be stared at by others while cooking. Just as he opened the fridge, he felt someone''s


    stare on his back, and he turned around to see Amelia still standing at the door. Smiling awkwardly, he


    said, "You can go. I''ll call you when it''s ready."


    Even though she wanted to see him working in the kitchen, she had to leave. "All right." Amelia pouted


    and watched TV obediently in the living room.


    About an hour had passed, and Amelia couldn''t take it anymore. Curiosity took over her heart, and she


    sneaked into the kitchen. Lucian was standing in the dining room, holding a bottle of red wine. He


    ced it on a round table draped with a red cloth. In the middle, she could see a giant white candle


    bursting with yellow light. Then she saw him taking other candles.


    "Oh my God! A romantic dinner with candles!" Amelia stared at the scene with wide eyes and covered


    her mouth. She was so surprised that her words came out in the form of a high-pitched voice.


    Lucian didn''t expect for Amelia to show up suddenly. He frowned and looked at her, rxing his


    shoulders the next second. "Amelia, please turn off the lights." He watched her robotically clicking the


    button, still in shock, and he presented her with a gentle smile.


    After lightening up the candles on the table, he backed up and looked at his arrangement. The entire


    table was decorated with lily flowers on the edges with candles in the middle. Two tes filled with


    delicious food were ced on either side. He smiled in satisfaction.


    Amelia stared at the table decorated with candles, and a sense of insecurity filled her heart.


    Lucian took hold of Amelia and pulled her in his embrace. The atmosphere seemed both romantic and


    bright. That was when she returned to Earth and looked at Lucian. Candlelight reflected on his


    handsome face, carving out everything perfectly. Her heart jumped to her throat upon seeing Lucian


    standing so close to her.


    He brought her near the table. An intense fragrance of lily mixed with wine and cakes entered her


    lungs, and she closed her eyes. Her mood was instantly lifted, and everything that happened with


    Fannie was forgotten.


    Pulling out the chair for her, he smiled at her adorable face. "Mrs. Amelia, have a seat, and try it." A


    faint smile graced Lucian''s lips.


    Amelia knew that Lucian was not good at cooking, but she could tell that he had worked hard to


    prepare tonight''s dinner.


    She gazed at him for a long time and smiled. Her heart was deeply moved. "You know, this is my first


    candlelight dinner."


    "What a coincidence! It''s my first time too." He beamed at her.


    Amelia''s eyes were fixed on Lucian as he guzzled the wine. He looked alluring in the candlelight,


    making her heart skip a beat.


    The scent of wine spread across them as they filled their cups with it. Their eyes met one another, and


    both of them smiled. Everything was just perfect.


    Amelia raised the cup to her mouth and emptied it in a go.


    Lucian wanted to stop her from drinking more, but he didn''t feel like setting too many restrictions on


    her. Back when they went for dinner in a western-style restaurant, he had realized the fact that Amelia


    loved her freedom. They were at home anyway. He could take care of her, even if she ended up getting


    drunk.


    Thinking like that, Lucian rxed his shoulders and drank with her until he felt dizzy. Before he could


    do anything, a small figure fell in his arms. Just as he realized who he was, she snuggled closer. He


    held her as if she was his greatest treasure.


    Amelia''s knees went soft in his arms. Her cheeks were burning because of the amount of alcohol she


    had.


    She moved her gaze and tried to focus her blurry eyes at him. In the candlelight, half of his face lit up in


    yellowish color. A trace of warmth spread in her heart when he stared at her gently.


    A familiar fragrance entered her nose, making her feel intoxicated. Amelia couldn''t hold it in anymore.


    She put her hands on the nape of his neck and pulled him closer, kissing him fiercely.


    Her action ignited a fire in Lucian''s barren heart. This feeling was hidden in the deepest chambers of


    his heart, and Amelia boldly opened the door, making his heart beat faster.


    "Amelia..." He mumbled her name against her lips, holding her tightly in his arms. By the time they


    pulled out, they both were out of breath. Still, Lucian wasn''t done yet. He dragged Amelia andid her


    down on the bed, looking at her with overflowing gentleness. Then he pressed his body against her,


    giving a passionate kiss on her lips. The atmosphere was filled with love and romance as the two of


    them rolled in the hay.


    The bedroom was filled with the sound of their love, and the New Year bell apanied it.


    Amelia woke up on the first day of the New Year because of the firecrackers.


    Although the vi was isted from the downtown area, the sound of the fireworks could still be heard.


    She rubbed her eyes and looked around as the memories aboutst night rushed into her mind.


    Lucian had prepared her a candlelight dinner, and they kissed. Her hand subconsciously reached the


    other side only to find it empty.


    At first, she thought it was all a dream. How could it be real? Just as she remembered the perfect night


    and their passionate kiss, a blush crept on her cheeks. Even if it was a dream, she would never dare to


    go that far. She sighed softly and moved her feet only to feel a wave of pain shooting through her body.


    The bedroom door opened, and Lucian walked toward her. He ruffled his wet hair as he tossed the


    towel on the side, looking down at her with affection. "Are you okay?" His voice carried a hint of worry.


    After all, the impact of red wine was so strong that he lost controlst night.


    Amelia held her head, feeling a bit dizzy. When she remembered how she had initiated their kissst


    night, her head lowered down in embarrassment. "I was too drunkst night."


    A smile formed on his lips as he remembered the scene. "Don''t worry. You were drunk at home


    anyway. And besides, it''s fine to fall prey to a simr situation twice."


    "Huh? Twice?" Amelia looked at Lucian in surprise.


    A frown made its way to his forehead when he realized how confused Amelia was. Didn''t she


    remember anything fromst night? He thought for a while as a smile adorned his lips, kissing her head


    gently. "I''ll always be good to you."


    When a pair of strong hands lifted her up, she turned around to see the bed sheets. She narrowed her


    eyes and remembered the color of the sheet. Hadn''t she ced a cream-colored sheet yesterday


    morning? It seemed Lucian changed it to white while she was asleep.


    No matter how naive she was, she could understand why Lucian had to change the sheets so


    suddenly.


    "Last night¡­" Her voice trailed off, realizing that it was a reality, not a dream.


    Amelia''s body went stiff at the thought. She couldn''t even dare to look at Lucian in the eyes.


    "Amelia. We are a couple." He cupped her face and forced her to look at him.


    She understood what he meant, but embarrassment took over her rational mind. Her face turned red,


    and she averted her eyes. "I... I''ll be in the bathroom."


    Just as she took two steps, she felt a throbbing pain in her legs. She was trembling all over. Lucian


    took hold of her before she could fall, carrying her back to bed. He poured hot water for her in a cup


    and said, "You should rest. If you need anything, I''ll be outside."


    Amelia''s face was as red as a tomato. She couldn''t speak a word.


    Ever since they started sleeping on the same bed, she knew this day woulde. Still, she felt


    embarrassed when that moment finally crossed her path.

 Chapter 82 Enjoying Ourselves As A Couple

    Chapter 82 Enjoying Ourselves As A Couple


    Amelia stepped out of the bathroom and wrapped herself in a ck robe. She scanned the room for


    Lucian and only changed into her clothes once she saw that he wasn''t there.


    "Today''s the first day of the Lunar New Year. You must wear something red. Itplements your fair


    skin." Amelia''s cheeks flushed when she heard Lucian''s voice. She was particrly conscious because


    she was only wearing a thin camisole. She turned to look at where his voice wasing from and


    found him casually watching her, his arms crossed over his chest.


    Amelia immediately pulled a shirt over her head. Taking Lucian''s advice, she wore a red coat and


    matched it with a id skirt. Her long hair fell over her shoulders. She looked simple yet warm.


    "You look good," Lucian said as he nodded in approval. "Since it''s the New Year''s Day, we must go to


    your family to celebrate," he added.


    His words caught Amelia by surprise. Lucian was being incredibly considerate. She had never


    considered that he would bring up that suggestion.


    Little by little, Amelia was seeing all virtues of Lucian.


    Outside, the weather was bright and sunny. Colorful streetnterns rendered the atmosphere festive


    and people were smiling while lugging around gifts of all shapes and sizes. A few meters away, a family


    wasughing boisterously.


    The scene warmed Amelia''s heart. She stood in the square and watched them, not even realizing that


    she was smiling herself.


    "I''ve got everything we need. Get in the car," Lucian called to Amelia and snapped her out of her daze.


    Following him to the vehicle, she took the front seat and strapped the seat belt across her chest.


    "You didn''t have to get so many gifts," Ameliained after seeing the huge bags of presents


    Lucian ced on the back seat.


    Lucian smiled before replying, "I should do no less than what is expected of me as a son-inw, Mrs.


    Amelia. Besides, my wife''s father is my father, and I should treat him as well as I treat my own."


    Lucian used to be a man of few words, but it seemed to Amelia that he was getting rather chatty. She


    didn''t mind though; he looked more charming each time he spoke.


    She didn''t think it possible, but Amelia was falling even more in love with him.


    "If you stare at me like that, I won''t be able to focus on driving," Lucian said without taking his eyes off


    the road. On his face was a mischievous grin.


    Amelia blushed and turned instead to look outside the window, her face also beaming.


    They parked in front of the Mo mansion. Amelia got out of the car and heard cheerfulughtering


    from within. She frowned, however, when she thought she heard Ynda''s voice.


    A servant who must have heard their car approaching opened the door for them. Seeing Amelia and


    Lucian, she announced, "Mrs. Amelia and Mr. Lucian are here."


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    Lucian held Amelia''s hand as they walked into the living room. Theughter Amelia heard moments


    ago died down as everyone''s heads turned to look at them in either surprise or scorn. Only Vernon


    stood up to wee them with a warm smile. "Lucian! Amelia!" he said as he approached. "I''m so


    pleased that you''re here. Have you had any breakfast?"


    "Happy New Year, Dad!" Amelia said, hugging her father. "Yes, we''ve already eaten." Amelia smiled at


    her father and said no more.


    "Well, don''t just stand there. Have a seat," he urged as he walked them to the nearest couch. Vernon


    waved at the servants and asked for tea.


    Each of the staff in the Mo family''s household was personally handpicked by Lucian so everyone was


    especially attentive to him. Before Vernon could even ask for it, tea and sweets had already been


    served.


    From the corner of her eyes, Amelia saw that everyone else in the room was looking at her with


    disdain.


    Ynda was sprawled on the sofa, nursing a pregnant belly. She looked grimly at Amelia who didn''t


    return her sharp gaze. Beside her, Jasper fed her fruits like a loyal ve. He seemed to be enjoying


    passing his time this way as he was smiling ear to ear.


    Sophia also sat there, having her pick of the fruits spread on the table. She didn''t say much except


    when acknowledging Lucian''s polite greeting.


    The atmosphere was tense. It was obvious that many in the room didn''t appreciate theiring.


    Without waiting for her father to say more, Amelia opened her mouth to dere, "Dad, Lucian and I just


    dropped by to wish you a happy new year. We won''t be staying long."


    Lucian took this as his cue to put down his cup. He looked at Amelia with the kindest of eyes. He was


    not going to make any objection.


    Surprised, Vernon couldn''t think of a reply. Recovering after a couple of seconds, he said, "You just


    arrived and you say you''ll be leaving soon. Why, you must stay and have a meal with us at least!"


    Amelia felt sorry for her dad who wore a hurt expression on his face. But when she turned to Sophia


    and Ynda, their scowls only strengthened her resolve to leave.


    "Oh, you''ve changed after marrying into a rich family, Amelia. You''re in such a hurry to go home that


    you won''t even consider dining with us. People may get the wrong impression that we don''t appreciate


    you being here." It was Sophia who spoke in a steely voice. She stood up and looked at Lucian with a


    smile on her lips. "Are your parents happy with your wife, Lucian? Amelia''s spoiled in this family so we


    turn a blind eye to her antics. I wonder if she''d do anything to make your parents sorry you married


    her."


    Amelia wished Sophia hadn''t spoken. Every word that came out of her mouth only dealt Amelia pain.


    "My family dotes on Amelia. They have nothing but praise for her cooking. I don''t think we''d run into


    any trouble with them. Thank you for your concern," came Lucian''s quick but calm response. He looked


    at Amelia and took her hand into his.


    Sensing her anger, he squeezed her hand in assurance.


    "I see," Sophia said, looking dejected. She took to her tea and tried to cover her face that was


    contorted in envy.


    "Darling, I don''t like this orange. It''s too sour. Pick something sweet for me!" Ynda ordered Jasper.


    She obviously enjoyed being doted on.


    Jasper hesitated butplied. He took another orange from the table and started peeling it, but


    paused after realizing that he couldn''t really tell the taste of a fruit by looking at it. "I don''t know which


    one is sweet. I can dip it in honey if it''s sour. Would you like that?"


    "Oh, my love! It''s alright. My husband peeling a fruit for me is already the sweetest treat. Even if the


    fruit is sour," Ynda stared intently at Amelia as she said this.


    Taking her daughter''s cue, Sophia quipped, "You two have been married for quite a while. And yet it


    seems as if there''s nothing growing in your belly, Amelia. Why aren''t we hearing any news?"


    Amelia knew that it was a statement of sarcasm rather than a question of concern.


    Sophia would say anything to hurt Amelia.


    Sophia and Ynda both turned to Amelia and watched her reaction as if they were enjoying their


    favorite soap opera.


    Amelia kept her silence. She was not going to gratify them with a defensive response.


    Lucian rose from his seat. Smiling at Sophia, he said, "Sometimes, I think Amelia''s still too young to be


    a mother. She''s still very much like a child and I''m quite happy spoiling her. When I feel that she''s


    ready to carry our child, we''ll make it happen. For now, we really just want to enjoy ourselves as a


    couple."


    Amelia looked at Lucian. She remembered how he also came to her rescue like this thest time. Not


    wishing to give Sophia and Ynda the chance to attack him, Amelia smiled and added, "Yes. I worry


    that you''ll stop paying attention to me when we do have a baby."


    It was Lucian''s turn to be surprised by Amelia''s bold remark. He expected her to stay quiet while he


    dealt with the two. But he weed her response and smiled in delight.


    Everyone in the room could see that the two were clearly devoted and affectionate towards one


    another. Sophia and Ynda could only stew in their own fury as they watched the couple regard each


    other lovingly.


    Amelia would never have thought of disying her affection in front of Jasper and Ynda like she did,


    but she''d had enough. It was time to stand up to Ynda.


    Deep down, Amelia wished with all her heart to leave and go home with Lucian, but not wanting to


    disappoint her father, she agreed to stay longer.


    "I''ve asked Susan to clean out your room. If you and Lucian don''t have other ns, you can stay here


    for as long as you want. If you want to, that is," Vernon told her in a low voice. The two have left the


    living room and Vernon was showing Amelia where they were to sleep.


    Tears brimmed in Amelia''s eyes. She didn''t understand how her father could''ve thought that she didn''t


    want to stay. Seeing her father''s sad eyes pained Amelia.


    "Dad, I do want to stay. If it will make you happy, I''ll do it," Amelia said, taking his father''s hand in hers.


    Vernon looked at his daughter with kindness in his eyes. "I''ve often ced Ynda''s and Sophia''s


    needs before your own. I''ve neglected you. I owe you so much, Amelia. I think of you as my own


    daughter."


    Hearing his words, Amelia couldn''t help but shed a tear. She wiped it quickly with the back of her hand


    and forced a smile. "Dad, it''s New Year''s Day! We should be celebrating. Let''s not make each other


    cry," she said sincerely.


    "Okay, okay," the old man recovered. "I won''t say more." Vernon squeezed her hand and smiled


    warmly. Recalling something, however, he asked out of nowhere, "I heard that you work with Zhan


    Group. Is this true?"


    "Yes. I''m Lucian''s personal assistant," Amelia answered without hesitation. She initially thought that this


    position would work her to the bone, but it actually offered a lot of time for leisure.


    "So you know Lucian''s work?" Vernon lowered his voice and nced at the door opening to the living


    room. He looked agitated.


    "Dad, I didn''t exactly receive the best education. Lucian graduated from a prestigious foreign university.


    Even if I do read his files, I won''t exactly understand them," Amelia chuckled. She wondered if her


    father wanted help to get in at Zhan Group. Thinking about this made her deeply ufortable.


    "Then you should work harder to be of help to your husband," Vernon said while patting Amelia on the


    head.


    "Oh, I will, Dad," Amelia said. She immediately felt better when Vernon dropped the subject.


    Amelia''s rtionship with Vernon had always beenplicated. There were times when she felt


    closest to him, but there were also times when she felt as if he didn''t care about her. But now that she


    had married and moved out of the house, it warmed her heart to find that Vernon still regarded her as a


    daughter.


    Amelia went back to the living room and found Lucian with head bowed, his handsposing a


    message on his phone. Seeing Amelia, he reached for an orange and began peeling it. "This one''s


    very sweet."


    Amelia blushed when she heard Lucian tease.


    They were happily eating fruits when Jasper came to join them. He announced himself with a cough


    and took a seat opposite the couple. He was fidgeting when he addressed them, "Lucian, Amelia,


    surely you know that Ynda has a certain way with words. I hope you forgive her for having offended


    you."


    Amelia pretended to not hear anything. She picked up another orange and started peeling. She wanted


    to keep silent, not wishing to be the target of another verbal attack.


    Lucian regarded Jasper with a cold smile. "It''s nothing. We don''t care about anything she has to say.


    As far as we''re concerned, Amelia and I are very happy together."

 Chapter 83 Everyone Has An Ex

    Chapter 83 Everyone Has An Ex


    Filled with embarrassment and left with nothing to say, Jasper covered his face with his fingers and


    gave a nce at Amelia. Then he asked her in a frigid voice, "Amelia, should we rent the house we


    rented before?"


    Amelia suddenly stopped peeling the orange that she was about to eat. She looked at Jasper with a


    puzzled look and thought to herself, ''Why would he bring up the past right now? And why did he


    include me in his ns?''


    This made Amelia subconsciously look at Lucian and saw that he was still drinking his tea as usual.


    Lucian noticed Amelia ring at him. He then smiled at her and said, "I''ll go to your bedroom to rest,


    also so that you two can talk clearly."


    "What?" Amelia asked. She didn''t expect that Lucian would just stand up and leave her alone with


    Jasper. This made her wonder if he was angry at her.


    "Has thendlord returned the 2000 dors he owed you?" Jasper timidly asked right after Lucian left.


    His eyes looked around anxiously.


    Amelia felt amused but still chose to show a straight face. She didn''t expect Jasper to ask about the


    money. But at the same time, it was a good thing that she didn''t have to owe him anything anymore.


    "How about give me your Alipay ount? I''ll give it to you when Ie hometer," Amelia bluntly


    replied.


    Upon hearing this, Jasper''s face frowned. He pleaded with Amelia. "I''m tight on money right now, can


    you please lend me some?"


    She remembered Jasper as a man who was always full of excitement and vigor. But now, as a man


    who borrowed money without any hesitation.


    Amelia''s straight face turned into a dismissive one then she replied, "I''m sorry, Mr. Jasper. I can''t be of


    any help to you." She didn''t mind if people thought of her as an overly prudent woman nor as a person


    that didn''t care for others. She just didn''t want to be involved with Jasper and his extremely


    unreasonable partner, Ynda.


    "Amelia, even though we are no longer lovers, we should at least remain as a family, right?" Jasper


    begged once again with a gloomy look on his face.


    Amelia was unmoved by his expression and words. She looked at him with cold, ring eyes as she bit


    her lips tightly.


    Perhaps in the eyes of Jasper, Amelia was still kind and softhearted. No matter how many problems he


    would cause her, she would always be there to help him out. However, he didn''t expect her to have


    changed so much.


    "Ha-ha, you''ve changed. There really is a big difference between the rich and the poor," Jasper uttered.


    Jasper''s frown and pleading face changed to a grimacing smile. He leisurelyid down on the sofa and


    stared at Amelia.


    ''It seems that birds of the same feather, really do flock together,'' Amelia thought to herself. She


    remembered how Jasper was in the past. He never gave anyone such a dismissive look. Ever since he


    got together with Ynda, it became such a bad habit of his.


    She ignored his crude sarcasm and continued to sip her tea.


    Ynda was currently taking a nap, this is why Jasper dared toe to the living room and talk with


    Amelia. But he didn''t expect Sophia toe downstairs. Upon seeing the two of them, Sophia went to


    Jasper and pointed straight at his face then shouted, "What are you doing here? Why don''t you go


    back to Ynda''s room and apany her!"


    Sophia''s loud yell reverberated all throughout the building. Everybody went downstairs to check on


    what was happening.


    Lucian arrived at the living room first, then Ynda followed by Vernon. Now everyone was all gathered


    in the same room together.


    Everyone except for Lucian and Vernon stared maliciously at Amelia. As if they were prepared for a


    fight to happen.


    "Honey, did we wake you up?" Jasper nervously asked. He then stood up and reached out to Ynda


    but was pushed away by her. Seemingly full of agitation.


    "Jasper, I was wondering why you weren''t in our room, now I know it was because you were catching


    up with your ex-girlfriend!" Ynda furiously yelled at Jasper.


    "Watch your words Ynda!" Amelia shouted in retaliation.


    She already knew that Ynda would jump on the opportunity to cause chaos but she didn''t expect her


    to say such harsh words.


    "I know exactly what you''re trying to do Amelia. You''re jealous of me being with Jasper so you use this


    chance as a way to separate us!" Ynda endlessly pestered her.


    Ynda''s words only annoyed Amelia. Her baseless usations didn''t make much sense to her. It


    was now Amelia''s turn to say something. And with a cold re towards Ynda, Amelia spoke proudly,


    "You don''t have to say such things if you trust your husband. Did he cheat on you or something? Is that


    why you''re being so persistent?"


    Sophia was about to say something but hearing Amelia''s words stunned her.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    In the past, no matter how much Amelia was picked on or bullied, she would never dare to fight back.


    But today, she fought back with just a few words and managed to inflict immense pain on both Ynda


    and Sophia.


    Upon hearing Amelia''s words, a smile went up on Lucian''s stoic face. He knew that he didn''t need to


    say anything. He believed Amelia could handle on her own against Ynda.


    Lucian''s phone suddenly rang. He answered, and after the call, Lucian told Amelia, "I just got a call


    from Courtney. She told me that she wanted home-cooked meals made by you. She also said that she


    would meet you at SJ Garden. I already agreed. Let''s go?" Lucian then affectionately held Amelia''s


    hand.


    Amelia immediately figured out what Lucian meant. She no longer wanted to stay at that house. She


    nodded her head at Lucian and then said to Vernon with a seemingly forced smile, "Dad, we have to go


    now. I''lle back to see you when I''m free."


    Knowing that Amelia didn''t want to stay in such an awkward situation, Vernon agreed to their n and


    apanied them to the door. He watched and waited until they got into their car and drove off. When


    they were no longer in sight, he reluctantly went back inside the house.


    Looking back at the house through the rear-view mirror of the car, the sadness and tears that Amelia


    held back slowly started to show.


    Lucian immediately noticed Amelia''s sadness. He suddenly stopped the car and held her hand to


    comfort her. Then he reassured her, "You don''t have to worry about the things they said. I know you''re


    used to their abusive words but we know it holds no truth."


    But Amelia didn''t care about their harsh words. It was Vernon, her father, who she was worried about.


    After Iris passed away, Vernon was the only family member she had left. Although she hated him so


    much at that time, she felt so sorry and guilty when she saw that he was in such poor health.


    "I''m fine honestly. I''m grateful that you were there to help me out just now," Amelia said. Amelia wiped


    away the tears on her face and tried her best to forget the sadness that surrounded her.


    "Honey, it''s my duty as your husband," Lucian confidently replied with a smirk on his face. Lucian didn''t


    want to see his wife be bullied by others. What just happened deepened his understanding of Amelia''s


    position in their household.


    With this realization, he acknowledged the fact that if he could not protect his wife, he was indeed


    utterly useless.


    Amelia suddenly remembered Lucian leaving her alone with Jasper earlier. So she asked, "By the way,


    why did you leave me alone to talk with him?" Amelia was worried that she angered Lucian in some


    way.


    "Because I trust you," Lucian casually replied.


    Even though Amelia''s eyes still had tears, upon hearing those words, she could now smile happily and


    lovingly look at Lucian''s face.


    Upon arriving at SJ Garden. Amelia thought that meeting Courtney here was just an excuse to leave


    but a few momentster, to her surprise, she arrived.


    Dressed in a big red coat and a short ck skirt, Courtney looked so cute and cheerful.


    "Isn''t it so convenient to marry a rich man Amelia? Lucian sent a car just to pick me up. My father


    asked me where I was about to go and I told him about the situation with the Zhan Group so he invited


    you toe to our house!" Courtney blissfully said.


    Amelia smiled and thought about Courtney''s offer but chose to decide about itter. She made her


    some tea and realized that the vi was a lot more exciting due to Courtney''s liveliness.


    Seeing how happy Courtney looked made Amelia much happier. She tried her best to avoid any topic


    involving Kent and only asked what she did and ate at the Spring Festival.


    These casual, little conversations with Courtney made Amelia feel like they were back in college again.


    Lucian decided to give some spare time to the two women. After greeting Courtney, he went right to his


    study. Right after Lucian left, Courtney yfully whispered to Amelia, "I''m so jealous. I''ll never be able


    to find a good man like Lucian these days."


    Hearing this made Amelia feel dignified. But she still humbly replied, "I''m sure it''s only because he''s


    good-looking."


    This made Amelia remember how hard it was to be with Lucian when they first started. She couldn''t get


    used to his unpredictably cold mood but after a while, she realized that he only acted like that with


    unfamiliar people. The truth was that he was very easy to get along with once you got to know him.


    "I have something to tell you Amelia. I went on a blind date yesterday," Courtney suddenly said in the


    middle of their conversation.


    "It was New Year''s Eve yesterday, wasn''t it? How did you go on a blind date during the Spring


    Festival?" Amelia asked.


    "Do you think I''m willing to do that? My family and the Shang family have been friends for generations.


    Yesterday, his whole family suddenly paid a visit to our house, and I met the extraordinary young


    master, Mr. Shang," Courtney gleefully exined. There was no hint of displeasure while Courtney was


    telling her story but when she mentioned Mr. Shang''s name, her face blushed a rosy pink.


    "What happened after you met him?" Amelia asked and looked at Courtney curiously, hoping that all


    the pain caused by Kent was gone. And that she was finally ready to start a new rtionship.


    "He''s a year younger than me, but he acts very maturely. He behaves like a gentleman and I think he


    has a good impression of me," Courtney exined while blushing and trying to hide her


    embarrassment.


    "So you mean there''s a chance?" Amelia asked. Amelia''s excitement surpassed her best friends. She


    held Courtney''s hands and said, "If you think there''s a chance, try to date him for a while. He may be


    your Mr. Right!"


    Courtney thought of her friend''s encouraging words and nodded. She couldn''t hide her happiness and


    said, "You''re right! If I don''t explore the world, how can I encounter the wonderful things it has to offer."


    Amelia''s happiness for her friend left her speechless. She held just Courtney''s hands.


    At noon, Amelia went to the kitchen and prepared lunch for them. When she had finished, she called


    Courtney to the table. While Courtney was eating on the side, Amelia went upstairs to tell Lucian that


    lunch was ready.


    The door of the study was half open. Amelia politely knocked on the door. But she couldn''t help herself


    to look through the slight gap of the door. She saw Lucian even from a faraway hastily trying to collect


    envelopes.


    This kind of situation had already happened three times.


    She pretended not to see it and said, "Lucian, it''s time for lunch."


    Lucian stood up and walked towards Amelia. He hugged her tightly and softly uttered the words,


    "Thank you for your hard work."


    Amelia shook her head in embarrassment. Though she wanted to stay in his embrace longer, it was not


    nice to leave Courtney alone downstairs. So she told Lucian, "Let''s go. The food is ready."


    "Wow, you''re such a good cook, Amelia!" Courtney praised Amelia and then told Lucian, "You''re so


    lucky you married Amelia!"

 Chapter 84 Questions About The Couple Life

    Chapter 84 Questions About The Couple Life


    ¡®What an exaggeration!¡¯ Amelia thought to herself. Amelia was so embarrassed that she just wanted to


    dig a hole and bury herself in it. In an attempt to conceal her embarrassment, she put food into


    Courtney''s bowl and urged her to eat quickly.


    "You''re right," Lucian agreed with Courtney, smiling.


    This wasn''t to say that Amelia refused to ept thepliments. She just couldn''t handle it in front of


    Lucian. She always blushed which was embarrassing. On the inside though, her heart was jumping in


    joy.


    "By the way, Lucian, I have a question for you and it''s pretty straightforward." Courtney suddenly


    became serious, raising her red wine ss.


    Amelia couldn''t help but feel scared at what Courtney was going to say.


    "Go ahead. I''ll tell you what I know." Lucian also raised his ss.


    "Good. Cheers!" Courtney drank all the wine in her ss in one gulp. Then she shed Amelia a


    mysterious smile before saying, "I heard from Amelia that you two... That you two don''t have a close


    rtionship yet."


    Courtney thought that she''d get some courage if she downed all her wine but it didn''t work as well as


    she thought it would.


    Amelia immediately knew what Courtney meant. Her face flushing, she hurriedly chimed in, "What are


    you talking about? I bet it''s just the wine talking."


    Courtney wasn''t as hesitant now. She stared at Amelia and added, "You really are an idiot. If I don''t


    step in to help you, you wouldn''t do anything!"


    Amelia was so embarrassed as she secretly shot Lucian a nce. She saw that he was smiling and


    seemed to be very pleased.


    Since they were sitting next to each other, it was hard to make out the look on his face besides his


    smile.


    "I made an effort to cook all these dishes and yet you aren''t even eating! You''re just talking!" She felt a


    little flustered. She put more food into Lucian''s bowl in an attempt to steer away the conversation to


    something else.


    "Lucian, I know it''s none of my business and I shouldn''t be interfering but Amelia was with that jerk for


    five years. She hasn''t been intimate with anyone except for holding hands." Courtney continued to sell


    Amelia as if she was a product to be sold at the market!


    Amelia waspletely embarrassed. She put down her chopsticks and sighed.


    Justst night, she and Lucian... Even just the mere thought of it turned Amelia''s cheeks into a deep


    pink hue.


    "I know." He smiled broadly.


    "You know?" Courtney was surprised. She pointed at Amelia whose face was red and asked, "You''ve


    already..."


    "Yes." Lucian nodded honestly. Embarrassed, Amelia couldn''t even raise her head.


    She tried her best to change the topic and thest thing she expected was Lucian openly weing


    the topic by discussing it with Courtney in such ease.


    "Okay, okay. I don''t have to worry now! Cheers!" With a sudden burst of happiness, Courtney raised


    her wine ss and drank it all up gantly.


    Upon noticing that Amelia had lowered her head probably out of embarrassment, Lucian put his hand


    on her knees and squeezed it.


    Amelia looked up and shed him a smile, still blushing.


    After lunch, Amelia apanied Courtney for a walk around the SJ Garden. A little before dinner,


    Courtney had to leave as she too had some guests in her house. When she left, the SJ Garden grew


    quiet once again.


    Amelia thought the first day of the New Year would be quiet. However, after dinner, Lucian drove her to


    the central square where children, lovers, and families were strolling around. Seeing this lovely


    scenery, Amelia hugged Lucian tighter. She couldn''t help but be grateful for him at that moment.


    "In the past, I would stay at home or go abroad during the Spring Festival. But this year is different."


    Lucian looked up at the electronic screen hoisted up at the building as he spoke.


    "Because I''m here?" Amelia answered with confidence. Her body was nestled against Lucian''s rather


    snugly.


    "You can say that." Lucian looked at Amelia meaningfully. Under the shadow of the light, his eyes


    looked deep.


    Amelia was so happy that she put her arms around Lucian''s waist and rested her head on his chest,


    happiness filling her heart.


    Lucian hugged her back and kissed her gently at the top of her head. The tenderness of his lips was all


    she felt.


    Around one in the morning, the number of the people in the square gradually dissipated. The bright


    lights and the music remained as the young ones continued to dance. Amelia and Lucian were


    absorbed in their own world¡ªhugging and kissing as if there was no one around. Right at the middle of


    the square was a fountain lit up with colorful neon lights. Admiring it, Amelia said, "Looks like I won''t be


    lonely in the city anymore even at night."


    "Mrs. Amelia, we''re not going home tonight," Lucian suddenly said once they got on the car. This left


    Amelia confused as she thought they were heading home already.


    "Where are we going?" she asked in curiosity.


    Wanting to surprise her, Lucian merely shed her a mysterious smile as he yfully said, "Don''t worry.


    I won''t do anything bad. I''m not going to sell you or anything."


    "It doesn''t matter. I don''t mind either way," Amelia teased back, a naughty smile ying on her lips.


    Lucian smiled in response.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    The car stopped in front of a luxurious vi. Amelia savored the feeling of walking on the soft grass as


    she looked up at the splendid buildings towering over them.


    Upon entering the room, Amelia was immediately shocked by what she saw.


    There was a ss of champagne and bouquet of roses on the table. On the floor were rose petals


    formed into the shape of a heart. Inside it was her name and the words "I love you."


    Amelia never would have dreamed for something like this to happen to her. She thought these types of


    things only happened on TV shows. She was still in disbelief¡ªeverything was so dreamlike. Even


    Lucian was more handsome than the actors on TV shows.


    Amelia was left speechless¡ªshe was so overwhelmed with joy, her heart was overflowing. She


    couldn''t stop smiling.


    Lucian felt that he owed Amelia a wedding ceremony so he asked help from Eric to arrange all of


    these. They had rushed into getting married despite not having any foundation at all. He knew he''d only


    forced Amelia into this marriage and he was aware how wrong that was so now, he was going to do


    whatever he could to make it up to her.


    The room was decorated elegantly which paired nicely with the aroma of the roses that filled the room.


    There were photos of Amelia cooking hanging on the wall. Amelia couldn''t help but be moved.


    She hadn''t known that Lucian had been taking photos of her in secret all this time.


    He never failed to surprise her.


    "Lucian, you''re so sneaky!" She couldn''t help but recall the first time they met where Lucian threatened


    her with her photos. Here he was again taking photos of her but in a different way this time.


    Lucian smiled and said, "Well, I can''t ignore beautiful things."


    Amelia couldn''t help but think how Lucian wasn''t holding back anymore.


    Despite his boldness, he still looked more handsome than ever.


    "By the way, when will you give those pictures back to me, Lucian?" she asked, seizing the opportunity


    while he was still in a good mood.


    Lucian had wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. He leaned his head against hers and


    shed her an evil grin. "Depends on your performance tonight."


    Amelia immediately blushed upon hearing this. She felt as if her ears were burning. "Lucian, you''re so


    flirty!"


    Lucian tightened his grip on her and slowly moved his lips towards her ear, letting her feel his warm


    breath. In a low voice, he spoke, "I''m afraid my wife won''t like it if I''m too serious with her."


    How could he say such sweet words so easily?


    "Mr. Lucian, you''re such an expert at sweeping girls off their feet. You must have a lot of experience,"


    Amelia teased back in a seductive tone.


    "Well, women would kill to be in your spot right now but you know, you''re all I see." With that, Lucian


    softly bit Amelia''s ear.


    Amelia''s heart was fluttering despite still being a little angry at his teasing.


    "Forget it. It doesn''t matter if you don''t return them to me. Most people in the city know that I''m your


    wife. I''m not the one who''s going to be embarrassed if anyone sees those photos." She was trying her


    best to coax him into giving her the photos.


    Unexpectedly, Lucian shamelessly said, "Don''t worry. I''ll collect all of them and enjoy them myself."


    Amelia gritted her teeth as she stomped on Lucian''s foot.


    Lucian wasn''t able to dodge so he grimaced in pain.


    Amelia then grabbed the chance to escape from Lucian''s grip. She moved to the side and gloated as


    she watched Lucian wince in pain.


    Upon seeing her gloat, Lucian seemed to havee up with an idea. Frowning, he pretended to cry.


    "You can just tell me you know. You don''t need to be so violent. My feet are probably so swollen now."


    Never in his wildest dreams did he think that he would have to act like a weak, little girl for whatever


    reason.


    Upon seeing Lucian so upset, Amelia anxiously rushed towards him. She got on her knees and said in


    guilt, "Sorry, I... I didn''t mean to..."


    Lucian felt warm in his heart when he saw how concerned Amelia was. He continued, "It doesn''t


    matter. It doesn''t hurt anyway." With that, he bit his lower lip as if he was trying to look like he was


    tolerating the pain.


    "How can you say it doesn''t hurt? Take off your shoes. I''ll go and see if there are any medicines you


    can take." Amelia then tried to help Lucian take off his shoes. She still looked anxious as she did.


    Not wanting her to cry, Lucian shed her a grin. "Don''t worry. I was just bluffing you."


    He stood up, jumped a few times in front of Amelia to prove that his feet were fine.

 Chapter 85 I Miss You So Much After We Separate From Each Other

    Chapter 85 I Miss You So Much After We Separate From Each Other


    Suddenly Amelia realized she was actually getting teased by her husband. She stopped moving and


    red at Lucian furiously.


    Watching his wife sulking cutely, Lucian smirked. He enjoyed teasing his sweet wife, but couldn''t see


    her irked for a longer period. Clearly she was annoyed right now. Thus he coaxed, "I apologize


    sweetheart. It''s just I enjoy it a little too much when you care for me like this. This won''t happen again. I


    promise." To emphasize his words, he touched his right hand to his heart as a promising gesture.


    Amelia rolled her eyes at his drama. He sometimes behaved like a child. But this new found goofiness


    in him was although absurd, she had started to like this side of him. She stared into his eyes and all her


    vexation melted away. She pped his hand away as a yful gesture and huffed, "So, you didn''t


    mean I treated you poorly? Because, it definitely sounded so."


    "Oh! Did it?" Lucian teased her once more. Then smiled watching her pout again, "Oh! My sweet wife.


    Of course, I didn''t mean that." He continued after a small pause, "You know what? You are the most


    beautiful and courteous wife in the whole world." He took the opportunity of her speechlessness and


    pulled her flush against him. Amelia blushed in his arms and giggled, "Having a sweet talk. Are we?"


    Although she said that verbally, but she was beaming like crazy. His love made her heart swell.


    "However, Mrs. Amelia," Lucian started in aining tone, "You''vemitted an offense just now.


    Your harsh strike upon my delicate feet has hurt me something serious." Lucian murmured in her ears


    flirtatiously as he pulled her even closer.


    Amelia almost believed him at first. She frowned at first then when she realized his intention, she


    yed along. "Really? Then we should visit a doctor immediately. Is there a doctor''s clinic nearby?"


    "Oh! No need for that. Besides, it''s just early morning. No doctor is avable now except..." Lucian


    breathed, "If you wish, you can cure me pretty quickly." Soon after saying so, without giving her any


    time to respond, he pressed his lips on hers and concealed every worry she might be having in her


    heart.


    Throughout the week after the New Year, they would visit shopping malls, movies and other ces


    during the day and at night, after returning home, Lucian would treat her extra special. Amelia really


    thought they were living a cute couple life literally.


    However the good time passed by quickly and it was time for Lucian to leave for his work. Even so,


    Amelia wasn''t really upset, because she knew, no matter how much time his work required from him,


    he would always return to her.


    On the other side, Lily appeared refreshed after her vacation. She was in her usual cheerful mood the


    next morning while making breakfast. When she saw Ameliaing downstairs, she shed a bright


    smile at her and then gushed, "Mrs. Amelia, I have a good news for you."


    "Oh? Look at you! You''re looking so energetic and happy. Are you in love?" Amelia asked returning the


    smile. Amelia knew something was definitely up as Lily was looking so refreshed and giddy. So, she


    guessed the reason of her happiness which she hope would turn out true.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Lily was a 20-year-old young and pretty woman. It was absolutely normal for women of her age falling


    in love with some gentleman.


    Lily gasped, "Mrs. Amelia, how did you guess? I had thought to surprise you." Then it was indeed true.


    Lily was in love.


    Amelia grinned, "I''m sorry that you missed the chance of surprising me. But I''m so happy for you. And I


    can definitely see that you had special time during the past few days!" Amelia was indeed happy for


    Lily from the bottom of her heart. But then the thought dawned on her. She looked at her with a sad


    smile as she asked, "Then you''re leaving us? Because now that you have a boyfriend, you''d probably


    be moving with him."


    The thought of Lily leaving her, made Amelia genuinely sad.


    Lily''s smile vanished in an instant. She sighed as she eyed Amelia sadly, "My boyfriend lives in the


    same town as mine. His family is rich as they have an illustrious business of several chain stores. He


    had indeed asked me to move with him and run the business alongside him."


    This was undoubtedly a good offer. Although upset, Amelia assured with a smile, "Lily, no one is


    pressing you. It''s your choice. So make it wisely and from heart." She paused for a quick second before


    continuing, "You want to spend the rest of your life with him. So it is up to you whether you want to


    decrease the distance between you and him now orter. Just know, whatever decision you''ll take, I''ll


    be happy for you from my heart."


    Lily''s mouth fell open as she stared at Amelia in awe. "Mrs. Amelia, I didn''t expect you to be this much


    considerate! And this is really making me feel special." Since long, Lily was having trouble to inform


    this news to Lucian and Amelia. She never really expected Amelia would take it so positively and


    understand her concern so well. Touched by Amelia''s understanding, she felt overwhelmed. But when


    she remembered Lucian and her contract, it drained colors from her face. She hesitated as she asked


    Amelia anxiously, "Mrs. Amelia, could you please convince Mr. Lucian about it?" Lily was worried for


    the contract that she had signed with Lucian. If she resigned suddenly like this, she might be breaking


    the contract''s terms.


    Legal action could be taken against her in that case. It was Lily who wanted to earn some extra money


    and insisted Lucian for that long-term contract. She never had thought that her n would not work in


    the near future.


    Amelia gave her an assuring smile. "Lily, both Lucian and I consider you as our little sister. You don''t


    need to worry about that." Amelia reached for her and gave her shoulder afortable squeeze.


    After Lucian left for the business trip which was about for a week, Amelia asked Frank to take her to the


    company.


    On the way, Amelia and Frank talked on trivial matters like his family and all. Amelia liked Frank and it


    was good to know each other. "Mrs. Amelia, why are you visiting the office? Mr. Lucian is also not


    there. Wouldn''t you feel bored there? I would suggest you take the week off and rx at home," Frank


    suggested her honestly.


    Amelia smiled at first. Her eyes wandered out the car''s window as she observed the busy city life. She


    suddenly missed Lucian''s presence. Then she answered Frank quietly, "The job of sitting at home all


    day is too boring. If I don''te out now and interact with people other than Lily, I''ll simply go crazy.


    And I don''t think, Lucian would pay me well for going crazy."


    Frankughed aloud at her response. "You are humorous, Mrs. Amelia." "Oh! Why, thank you Frank."


    Amelia indeed liked Frank''s easy attitude.


    When they reached the office, Frank informed her that she wouldn''t find Eric out of all employees. As


    Eric was the most skilled assistant of Zhan Group, Lucian always took Eric with him every time he went


    on a business trip. Amelia noted down the information before entering the building. Then she was


    escorted to the CEO''s office by one of the employees. Soon after spending an hour, she realized how


    terribly bored she felt. She walked around Lucian''s office, flipping through the files and realized there


    was nothing she could do or even understand from them. So, she put them back in ce, then sat on


    Lucian''s chair and rested her head on the desk.


    Duh! She blew out a frustrated breath. It was indeed a bad idea to visit the office. She felt more useless


    than she would have felt at home. Soon a drowsiness hit her due to the inactivity. Just when she was


    about to fall asleeppletely, the phone on Lucian''s desk rang out loud. She bolted upright and


    reached for the phone to answer it. She tried to sound polite as much as she could. "Hello, this is the


    Zhan Group. How may I help you?"


    But unfortunately she was greeted by an angry bark from the other side, "Amelia, why aren''t you


    replying to my calls and texts?" It was Lucian. The harsh coldness of his voice immediately scared her


    out. She couldn''t even answer to him right away. His enraged dominating tone was so frightening that


    she fumbled and checked her phone hurriedly. And noticed she had twenty three missed calls and


    fifteen messages from Lucian.


    She took a deep breath, gaining the courage to respond then answered honestly, "I had my phone in


    silent mode. I didn''t notice. I''m sorry."


    She heard him sigh from the other side before he said, "It''s time for lunch. I called to remind you not to


    forget to eat." His voice now a little warmer than previous. However, as soon he said that, Amelia''s


    heart melted away. He cared for her that much?


    She breathed, "Okay." Could he surprise her anymore? Amelia''s heart twitched suddenly when she


    thought of the long distance between Lucian and her. She sighed then asked quietly, "When will you


    return?"


    Although she knew his work trip would end in a week, but thinking about staying away from him for so


    long made her sad. She wanted to stay close to him and feel loved.


    There was a moment of silence on the other end. Amelia feared he might find it disturbing that she was


    coming on the way of his work, but when she heard his response it squeezed her heart inside. He said


    in a low voice, "I miss you."


    Amelia''s hand trembled as she held the phone tightly, her face flushed at his confession. Her voice


    trembled when she said in a slow voice, "Me too."


    After a momentary pause, Lucian consoled, "Wait for me." Although his voice was low, but it was


    enticing. Her heart fluttered with contentment.


    Later Lucian asked her to return to home. He was concerned that she wouldn''t like it at office. But


    Amelia insisted staying in the office. She couldn''t just stay at home all day long for a whole week, doing


    nothing and waiting for Lucian toe back.


    Amelia still remembered the mocking of Vernon at the earlier days. He had the worthless impression of


    her, that she couldn''t do anything at work except serving Lucian with tea and water. It hurt her then. But


    now she even wanted to make use of her only skill. If it was better, then why not?


    The soon this idea popped up, she set off to work.


    If making tea was her only special skill, then why not showing it off to every employee of Zhan Group?


    There were about two or three thousand employees in the headquarters of the Zhan Group. The


    project that she took up was indeed difficult and strenuous but she decided to stick to it. She was


    confident that she could do it in a certain time. And she decided, she would continue this for the next


    whole week until Lucian came back.


    After the lunch hour was over, it was time for her to do what she intended. She went to the office


    kitchen, made coffee and then, started from the nearest floor. Although, it was working hour, but who


    wouldn''t like to have a cup of coffee while working continuously?


    At first, the staffs were surprised to see her serving them coffee. However, she overlooked their


    quizzical nces and continued putting the coffee cups on their respective tables with a smile.


    She knew, for an employee, it was tiring for sitting all day long in front of theputer and working


    continuously. It must have stiffen their waists up. Drinking a cup of coffee would not only energize them


    up, but also release the tension of workload. After Amelia finished the first department, all the staff


    stood up and sang in unison, "Thank you, Mrs. Amelia!"


    Their gratitude startled her. She gave an awkward smile at everyone before moving to the next


    department.


    She spent the whole afternoon making tea or coffee and then serving them. All of it she had been doing


    alone. Although few staffs wanted to help her, but she had politely refused their offers. She wanted


    them to rx in between their work. Not to engage them in another work.


    The next few days went by the simr way. She remained busy throughout. However, she didn''t


    mention about it to Lucian when he called. She wasn''t sure how he already knew it, but when he asked


    her not to tire herself doing all these work, she fell from the sky. She flinched, "How do you know it?


    Besides, I''m not tired at all. On the contrary, I think I have built myself a rapport in the Zhan Group."


    "Alright then. I''ll be back in three days. Until then, don''t miss me too much." Before hanging up the


    phone, Lucian chuckled and teased her.


    However when he said that, it drained all the happiness from her achievement. Because, indeed she


    was missing him deeply. She sniffed and replied in a mock annoyance, "I have work to do every day. I


    don''t have time to miss you."


    "Oh?" Lucian also fake gasped, then went serious immediately. "But I do. Even if I''m busy every day, I


    miss you every second when I''m not doing any work."


    This confession stunned her. It felt as if she was suffocated from his abundant love. Words seemed to


    have lost in her throat somewhere and she could not speak anymore.


    She wanted to say the same, but she didn''t want to make him miss her more. After all, they could not


    see each other through phone. And it was evident Lucian could not return sooner. This arrangement


    made her even sadder.


    "Two days will pass by quickly," she said somehow, but her voice was mncholic. She sighed. The


    separation from Lucian was making her depressed with each passing by moment.


    "Go to bed early," Lucian whispered softly.


    "Lucian!" Although she knew he wouldn''t but she generated a fear out of blue. What if Lucian would


    misunderstand her fake ignorance and believe that she wasn''t missing him in real? Her eyes went wide


    at the thought. She hurriedly said, "I''m waiting. Pleasee back soon." To which Lucian responded


    with a sigh then hung up the call.


    After the call was over, Amelia sat on the bed in a daze for a while looking at the phone. She although


    didn''t confess, but Lucian was what her mind kept thinking about. She closed her eyes reminding those


    precious moments she had spent with Lucian as a soft whisper left her mouth, "Lucian, I miss you..."


    The next morning, Amelia went to work as usual. It was Frank who picked her up on time.


    Since the first day after serving them coffee, every employee was treating her well. Whoever she would


    meet in the office, they would greet her politely. She arrived at the CEO''s office while suddenly there


    was a knock on the office door.


    Amelia turned around to open the door. She wondered who it''d be while the door itself opened. She


    noticed the impatient girl opening the door and entering the office without asking for her permission.


    "Mrs. Amelia, I didn''t dare to bother you to open the door for me. So I have to push the door open and


    come inside. I hope you don''t mind." It was Sasha, who spoke with a mischievous smile on her face.


    Amelia observed her appearance carefully. She was actually looking professional wearing a high waist


    pencil skirt with a white blouse.


    Amelia didn''t like that smile on her face, but she returned her with a polite smile. She poured a ss of


    tea then gave it to Sasha. "What can I do for you, Miss Sasha?"


    Sasha took the cup and took a small sip from it. Then with a scornful smile, she intoned, "Mrs. Amelia,


    you''re not at all experienced in making tea, are you? I don''t think you have the nerve to bribe your


    employees."


    Amelia was bbergasted. Sasha''s words stung as she stood there immobile, stunnedpletely. With


    a tight lipped smile on her face, she said, "Listen Sasha, I don''t think I''m doing this to bribe my


    employees. Besides, I don''t need to show off my skills, to anyone for that matter."


    "Then why are you doing all this? To kill your time?" Sasha had deliberately provoked Amelia. And it


    was certainly intentional. But Amelia didn''t want to spoil both her reputation and mood for her. So, she


    warned, "Miss Sasha, if you don''t have anything else to talk to me, please excuse me and leave." She


    had to serve tea and coffee to the staff of two departments.


    "I know that Lucian loves you very much. But do you ever felt, that you''re no match for him? You don''t


    even have any idea about how to help him with his work? Do you?" Aware that Amelia was trying to


    avoid her mocking, Sasha pressed on. She said straightforwardly, "The stock market has fallen


    recently. And the Zhan Group is affected. So, Lucian has gone on a business trip because he has


    something urgent to deal with. So, I''d suggest, you stop making trouble for him and leave the office."


    "What did you say?" Amelia anchored her full attention on Sasha and asked. She had no idea about


    that. It made her worried in an instant.


    "You wouldn''t understand even if I tell you in details. I just came here to kindly remind you not to cause


    any trouble to Lucian." By saying so, Sasha reached for the door. Before leaving she nced back at


    her one more time and gibed, "You should have known the difference between Lucian and you before


    falling in love with him. Serving him tea and drinking with him can''t solve the problem for him."

 Chapter 86 Dont You Love Him Very Much

    Chapter 86 Don''t You Love Him Very Much


    After Sasha left, Amelia kept repeating the words she had said to her. She felt frustrated that she could


    do nothing.


    She felt uneasy. When she returned to the SJ Garden, Amelia wondered if she should make a call to


    Lucian. On the other hand, she was afraid of interrupting him. In order not to disappoint her, Lily cooked


    the dinner. She ate a little.


    When she went back to the bedroom, she was even more nervous when she saw that Lucian still didn''t


    call her. She wanted to know why he did not call her today?


    She kept thinking about what Sasha had said to her today, feeling restless.


    Just as she was immersed in her thoughts, her cell phone rang. She thought it was Lucian calling, and


    she answered it immediately, "Lucian."


    "It''s me, Amelia." A soft, calm voice resounded from the other end of the line.


    "Jonny?" Amelia was so excited that her heart sank when she noticed the caller ID on the screen.


    She sounded disappointed, so the person on the other end of the line asked, "Are you waiting for


    Lucian''s call?"


    "No... I''m not." She denied with embarrassment.


    "He should be very busy these days." Said Jonny on the other end of the phone.


    "Jonny, I... Do you know what has happened in the Zhan Group recently?" She didn''t know much about


    it and she thought Jonny should know it.


    "Do you have time now? Shall I pick you up? "


    "But it''s toote now." Amelia was a little hesitant. On the one hand, she wanted to know the situation.


    On the other hand, she had scruples.


    "Don''t worry. I just want to take you to the coffee house and have a chat. I will answer your questions


    one by one." Jonny reassured her.


    She agreed and waited for him at the gate. Soon Jonny drove here.


    In the tranquil coffee house, the melodious sound of the blue music was echoing around her ears. It


    was difficult to appease her heart, and she was getting more and more restless.


    Jonny ordered a cup of coffee for her. He didn''t ask her until the coffee was ready. "It seems that you


    are absent-minded. Have you heard something?"


    Amelia looked up at him with worries on her face, "Jonny, I majored in Chinese and didn''t know


    anything about finance. I heard that the Zhan Group suffered from the decline in the stock market


    today. Is it true?"


    "That''s true, but don''t worry. Lucian will handle it." Jonny nodded his head and tried tofort her.


    It turned out to be true. Amelia had already been restless, and now she was more anxious.


    "Jonny, what can we do to reverse the situation?" Amelia asked eagerly.


    "The Zhan Group was just a smallpany at first, butter developed into a well-known and listed


    company in two years operated by Lucian, which caused a great sensation in A City..."


    Jonny said briefly to Amelia about the general situation of the Zhan Group and analyzed the current


    situation.


    "So the An Group has funded the Zhan Group?" Amelia caught the key words and looked at Jonny


    hopefully.


    Jonny''s eyes rolled a little. He skip the words of Amelia and said lightly, "It''ste. Let me send you


    back."


    Amelia was about to say something but stopped on a second thought. She looked at the neon outside


    the window and felt she should go home now.


    "Okay." She answered in a low voice.


    Before Amelia got off the car, Jonny said to her, "Don''t worry too much. There''s still hope."


    "I know." She believed in Lucian''s ability.


    The next day when she arrived at thepany, Amelia heard all kinds of gossip. The most was that


    the Zhan Group was now in a bad mood for capital turnover, and it was very likely that it would go


    bankrupt.


    Although some employees deliberately lowered her voice, they wished more to let her know, so she


    could hear those words easily.


    When she returned to her office, Amelia nced at Lucian''s seat and found that he was still not there.


    Two dayster... Lucian would be back tomorrow.


    Last night, he didn''t call her. She didn''t even have the courage to text him and say hi. She was afraid


    that it might trigger his unhappy mood.


    Almost lunchtime, there was a knock on the office door. Amelia got up to open the door, and was


    frightened to pale by the two people in front of her.


    "I can''t believe that you still have time to sit in the office after the big crisis of the Zhan Group!" Fannie


    med Amelia when she saw her.


    Nichs sat in a wheelchair, with a serious face.


    "Dad, mom..." She greeted politely, and her brows furrowed tightly out of nervousness.


    "Fannie, I asked you to drive me to the Zhan Group, not to criticize Amelia." Nichs said with a poker


    face.


    "I''m just worried." Walking in front of Nichs, Fannie gestured with her fingers and said, "Look at her.


    Except for her silly, what else can she do for the Zhan Group?"


    This was the first time for Amelia to agree with Fannie. She buried her head deep in guilt. She couldn''t


    do anything except worrying when thepany was in trouble.


    "Enough!" Nichs interrupted Fannie and turned to look at Amelia and asked in a husky voice, "Did


    Lucian contact you?"


    "We do call each other every day exceptst night." She answered honestly. "Dad, have you contacted


    Lucian?"


    She worried that if she called Lucian, it would affect his mood, so she dared not call him. So she


    wanted to get more information about Lucian from Nichs.


    Nichs shook his head and sighed, "No matter what happened to him, he always bears it silently. I


    juste to ask you about that."


    Amelia couldn''t believe her ears. She took over her phone and called Lucian.


    The phone was connected, but it was not picked up after a long time. Amelia was not reconciled and


    kept calling until that sweet and apologetic phone rang.


    It seemed that Lucian didn''t want to be disturbed because his phone was turned off...


    Tofort Nichs, Amelia crouched down in front of him and said, "Dad, rest assured. Lucian will be


    back tomorrow."


    "That''s good." Nichs sighed and looked worried.


    Fannie red at Amelia with burning, reproachful eyes.


    "Let''s go home." Nichs said to Fannie who was standing behind him.


    "Nichs, you should talk to the leader of An family. You can''t just rely on Lucian alone." Fannie


    suggested and said, "Edmund said that he could offer funds to help Lucian through this crisis as long


    as Lucian can agree with his request."


    "Don''t talk nonsense!" Nichs stamped his walking stick angrily.


    Hearing that, Amelia seemed to see a glimmer of hope. She asked, "Mom, just now you said that An


    Group could help the Zhan Group through this crisis?"


    "Yes, but Lucian refused his uncle An''s request." Fannie said, withdrawing her sharp eyes and sighed.


    Looking at the regretful expression on Fannie''s face, Amelia couldn''t help asking, "Can you tell me


    what kind of request the An Group makes?"


    "Amelia, you''d better keep it a secret. Let''s go, Fannie." Nichs was a little anxious and interrupted


    Amelia.


    The more indifferent he was to her, the more flustered Amelia was.


    "Now that she wants to know, just tell her!" Not waiting for Nichs to stop her, Fannie walked up to


    Amelia and said in a cold voice, "If Lucian is willing to marry Shelly, An Group will help the Zhan Group


    through."


    After hearing what Fannie said, Amelia was totally shocked and her mind went nk, even though she


    had just been worried about the difficulty of the Zhan Group.


    "Amelia, Lucian didn''t say yes. Don''t think too much." Worrying that Amelia would be sad, Nichs


    tried tofort her.


    "Don''t you love Lucian very much? You should think it over carefully which is more important in this


    situation." Before leaving, Fannie whispered in Amelia''s ear.


    After they left, the office returned to dead silence. Amelia put her hand over her left chest, trying to


    endure the pain caused by her broken heart.


    Walking out of the building of the Zhan Group, Amelia looked at the buildings located in the downtown


    area and felt extremely sad. She felt that the tall building might copse at any time.


    She wanted to take a walk alone, so Amelia didn''t let Frank send her home.


    It was a chilling winter. The trees on both sides of the road were blown with the wind. A gust of cold


    wind came through her skin, mixing with her inner temperature, like the water in a deep well. She could


    feel the chilling coldness as soon as she touched it.


    Thest sentence Fannie uttered echoed in her mind, like a curse that she would never be able to get


    rid of.


    She took out her phone and tried calling Lucian, but his phone was still powered off.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    She looked up at the gray sky, feeling confused.


    Beep The continuous horn pulled back the consciousness of Amelia. She followed the voice and saw


    Shelly in a sweet suit walking out of the red Ferrari.


    "It''s really you! I was about to go to the SJ Garden garden to look for you!" After walking up to the side


    of Amelia to confirm, Shelly turned her head and hinted her to get in the car.


    Thinking of what Fannie had said, she knew what Shelly wanted to say.


    In an extremely elegant coffee shop, Shelly and Amelia sat on the opposite side. Both of them seemed


    to be brewing a kind of emotion, and finally Shelly spoke first.


    "You must have heard about the current situation of the Zhan Group, haven''t you?" Shelly took a sip of


    her coffee and said with a faint smile, "Have you made up your mind?"


    Amelia didn''t expect that Shelly would ask her directly. She was totally in a mess and didn''t know what


    to do.


    "If Lucian agrees to the request of An Group, the Zhan Group will definitely get through the hardship?"


    Amelia found her voice trembling.


    "Of course!" After Shelly gave an affirmative answer, Shelly smirked and said, "The alliance between


    the Zhan Group and the An Group is very powerful in the business field. With this guarantee, the


    present situation of the Zhan Group can hardly happen again!"

 Chapter 87 Sign The Divorce Agreement

    Chapter 87 Sign The Divorce Agreement


    Amelia couldn''t muster the will to say anything. Pain was swelling in her heart as she stared at her


    coffee.


    "I''ll sign the divorce papers," she finally said. She knew how terrible the whole situation was and it only


    made her decision more firm.


    Shelly''s lips contorted to a big smirk. She beamed as if she was just dered champion of a


    competition. "You know I''ve never thought much of you. But today, I''m actually impressed you made


    this decision."


    Amelia tried to keep her face expressionless despite her growing difort. She wished Shelly would


    stop talking. She was only rubbing salt on Amelia''s gaping wounds.


    It hadn''t been long since Amelia and Lucian found love in each other, and yet it seemed as if their


    rtionship had already run its course. It surprised Amelia to realize that it was she who had to end it.


    "But you know Lucian better than I do. Things like divorce papers won''t instantly bend his will. It''s better


    to do something that would make him actually hate you," Shelly reminded Amelia. With that she


    collected her bag and left Amelia to stew in her own feelings.


    Amelia stayed in the coffee shop for hours. She couldn''t muster the courage to walk out and find her


    way home. She merely sat there, the warm light of the shop illuminating her face, and yet Amelia only


    felt cold.


    Nothing could ease her pain, not even the gentle music ying in the background. She was so lost in


    her thoughts that only the coffee aroma in the shop kept her grounded. She wished with all of her heart


    that Lucian would walk in, take the seat opposite hers, and give her aforting smile.


    It was already midnight when Amelia got back to SJ Garden. Lily had apparently been waiting for her


    but fell asleep on the sofa. With a light tap on the shoulder, Amelia woke her up so she could sleep


    morefortably in her room. Sleepily, Lily asked, "Mrs. Amelia, is it true what they said in the news?


    Is Zhan Group really going bankrupt?"


    Since leaving the coffee shop, Amelia had been trying keep her head clear of anything rted to Zhan


    Group and Lucian, but Lily''s question instantly brought them all back to mind. She replied tly, "Not


    everything on the news is true, Lily. There was no mention of it when I went to the office earlier."


    "Ah, of course! It must be a slow day in the news room. Those journalists are trying to make an issue


    out of nothing. Mr. Lucian is a great CEO. He could never let anything like that happen," Lily agreed.


    After ensuring that Amelia had already eaten, Lily wished her a good night and retired to her room.


    Amelia decided that there was nothing else for her to do but sleep as well. She went up to her room but


    leaned heavily on the railing as she ascended. Her chest felt so tight, she could barely breathe.


    All content is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Once in her room, Amelia pulled out the divorce papers she had printed earlier in Lucian''s study. She


    read every word, until finally, with hands trembling, she signed her name on the document.


    Sheid on her bed and recalled the time she and Lucian registered for marriage. She also had mixed


    feelings signing her name on their marriage contract. At the time, she already knew that their married


    life would not be smooth-sailing, but it never urred to her that she would have to make this kind of


    decision.


    Amelia''s eyes began to well up.


    Seeing the word divorce in print only made it clear to her that she would have to live the rest of her life


    without Lucian. Without holding back, Amelia finally let herself cry.


    She didn''t know how Lucian would react once he saw the signed papers, but she hoped that he would


    take it better than she did.


    Amelia cried and cried until she could do no more. And as sleep felt impossible, she settled on packing


    up her things.


    Everything in the room was bought by Lucian, so she only prepared a small bag. She packed the few


    clothes she already had with her when she moved into the house.


    They had only been married for four months, but it felt to her that they had loved each other for years.


    Since falling in love, Amelia never thought that she would have to leave Lucian, especially under these


    circumstances.


    She was up about two hours earlier than usual and found that Lily was still in bed. Amelia wrote Lily a


    short message before heading out.


    The road was covered with a thick fog so Amelia took out her phone and let her torch lead the way.


    She kept walking until about half an hourter, when she heard the city wake. Cars were beginning to


    take on the road and stalls were starting to open.


    She stood on the pavement with nowhere to go. Mo mansion was her only option but it was never


    really a ce where she felt wee. She decided to look for a rented apartment.


    Crashing with Courtney was also not an option, considering everything that Courtney was going


    through. She thought it would be best to go somewhere no one knew her.


    After two months of working in Zhan Group and apany-wide bonus, Amelia had roughly five


    thousand dors in her ount. It was enough to rent a small room, she thought.


    Amelia decided to settle in an unassuming neighborhood within the city outskirts. It was a quiet ce


    situated a good distance from SJ Garden. Should Lucian look for her, it wouldn''t be easy.


    Would Lucian really look for her, Amelia wondered, but the thought only made her ufortable.


    She soon found a suitable room. The room was well lit and it had its own balcony decorated with small


    potted nts. The rent was affordable and thendy was a retired old woman who had a kind smile


    on her face. She paid the deposit upfront without hesitation.


    Amelia unpacked her things as soon as she had the room to herself. She decided to do a bit of grocery


    shopping and was about to leave the house when her phone began ringing.


    She feared that it was Lucian, and yet she desperately wanted to hear his voice.


    But when she took out her phone, it was Jonny''s name on the screen.


    Amelia was dejected. "Yes? What can I do for you, Jonny?" she answered.


    "Where are you, Amelia?" Jonny asked. Amelia thought Jonny''s voice sounded anxious.


    She wondered whether Jonny already knew that she had left SJ Garden.


    "I... I''m just out shopping." It wasn''t a lie. She was really about to head out to do grocery.


    "I was just at SJ Garden looking for you, but your maid told me that you were out on vacation."


    The note Amelia left Lily mentioned that she was going on a holiday. She counted on Lucian


    understanding everything once he saw the signed divorce papers.


    "Did she? I... I just wanted to buy some snacks." Amelia kept on stuttering. Lying had never been her


    strong point.


    "Where are you? I''m going with you." Jonny quickly said.


    "No! I want to be alone," Amelia refused.


    "Amelia, Shelly was just being Shelly. There''s no reason to take her words seriously. Tell me where you


    are." It urred to Amelia that Jonny knew everything. He even knew that she had a private


    conversation with Shelly. She wondered if it also meant that he knew about the divorce agreement.


    Amelia was only thinking of Zhan Group. She wanted to do what she thought was best for the


    company, even if it came with a personal cost. If she knew that it was only her who would suffer, she


    would dly take the fall.


    "Jonny, I just hope An Group would keep its promise. Lucian and I... I guess we''re just not meant to be


    together. If you care about me, please help Lucian get through this," Amelia said indifferently despite


    the heartache. After that, she hung up the phone.


    The house Amelia rented was ancient. It came with a huge backyard that housed several potted nts.


    The stones in theundry area was covered in moss. The ce looked old and a bit run-down, but


    Amelia thought it looked serene.


    She was enjoying the peace staying in the garden afforded her when a memory flitted into her head.


    She had been cooped up in her rented room for a whole week, during which she mostly kept to her


    journal and ate instant noodles whenever she got hungry. The kindndy would bring her home-


    cooked meals. One time, thedy remarked, "You''re so thin. Instant noodles isn''t good for your health."


    The words caught Amelia by surprise. Lucian had said the same thing to her before.


    Meanwhile, things were different inside the Zhan Group office.


    "m!" A thick file folder dropped on the floor with a heavy thud. A low voice growled, "Have you found


    Mrs. Amelia yet?"


    Eric picked up the documents that fell on the ground and rushed to give instructions to the men who


    stood attentively. "Keep searching. Find Mrs. Amelia!"


    Lucian only leaned against his leather chair. Fatigue was written all over his face.


    "Don''t worry, Mr. Lucian. We''ll find Mrs. Amelia," Eric reassured. It had been a week since Amelia left


    and Lucian hadn''t eaten or slept. He looked pale and gruff.


    "Call Edmund. I want to talk to him," Lucian replied coldly, not even bothering to look at Eric.


    Eric smiled and said, "Mr. Lucian, we can pull through this crisis with An Group''s help."


    Lucian looked at Eric with utter disappointment. "You think I should ept An Group''s offer? That''s not


    help. That was An Group threatening us!"


    Lucian was seething. This crisis wouldn''t have happened if it weren''t for Edmund.


    Zhan Group epassed many branches and organizations. If Edmund hadn''t instigated panic by


    convincing shareholders and investors to withdraw funding, Zhan Group wouldn''t have fallen into this


    situation.


    It took Lucian a week-long business trip to negotiate with shareholders. Although he was able to


    convince some of them to continue doing business with thepany, he found it difficult to turn around


    the other investors who decided to withdraw.


    On top of it all, he returned to find that Amelia had left SJ Garden. Only the divorce papers were waiting


    for him in the study.


    "Mr. Lucian, I''ve always respected you. You were not just a boss to me; I''ve always thought of you as a


    friend. These are difficult times, but I will stay by your side," Eric said, trying to pacify Lucian. He had no


    idea about the conditions An Group set before it would help Zhan Group. He only thought that An


    Group was willing to extend efforts out of kindness and concern given their long business rtionship.


    He couldn''t understand why Lucian was angry.


    "Thank you, Eric. Don''t worry. I know what I''m doing," Lucian replied, looking much calmer.


    "Leave the search for Mrs. Amelia to us. Please go home and rest. You may be the CEO of this


    company, but you''re still just a man, Mr. Lucian," Eric reminded as he stepped out of the office.


    The room fell silent when Eric had gone. Lucian merely stared at his desk, reeling from the sharp pain


    in his heart. He fumbled in his pocket for a pack of cigarettes, lit one, and leaned back to his chair, his


    thoughts with Amelia.


    Amelia had been out shopping. Once back, she was heading up to her room when herndy called


    her attention and invited her to dinner. Embarrassed, Amelia was about to refuse when the old woman


    asked, "Is this you in the newspaper?"


    Amelia froze where she stood. Recovering, she went to where thendy was sitting and asked to


    borrow the paper. One of the headlines read: Wife of Zhan Group CEO, Missing.


    The news even asked for anyone who had seen her toe forward in return for a huge reward.


    Amelia never thought that her leaving would cause this huge of an uproar. She certainly didn''t expect


    that Lucian would search for her given the issues thepany was facing.

 Chapter 88 Searching For Amelia

    Chapter 88 Searching For Amelia


    "They are looking for me, but I don''t want to be found." Although Amelia hadn''t spent much time with


    thendy, the woman was kind and considered Amelia her granddaughter. Thendy wouldn''t tell


    anyone of Amelia''s whereabouts, or at least that''s what Amelia believed.


    Thendy stayed silent for a moment. "Amelia, don''t worry. I won''t tell anyone, but at least let me


    help you, all right?" She put the newspaper down, ncing at Amelia with affection.


    "Thank you." Amelia was grateful to her.


    Thendy chuckled and shook her head. "Silly girl, I have lived alone in this courtyard for years, and


    you brought it back to life. It should be me thanking you instead."


    Thendy''sst name was Chen. A few years ago, his husband died because of a cerebral


    hemorrhage. She never cared about having children when she was young because of her career, and


    when she was ready, her body failed to support her. That was why she had been living alone after her


    husband''s death.


    After dinner, Amelia borrowed Mrs. Chen''sputer and browsed thetest city news about Zhan


    Group. All she came across was the news about the withdrawal of shareholders and the crisis of the


    capital turnover.


    Then she searched her name and came across an article. She read through it and scrolled down with


    shaking hands. It was the news about what Lucian thought of Amelia after she disappeared. At the end


    of the report, the author wrote exact words that Lucian directed to her: "If you still remember what I said


    at my mother''s grave,e back to me. You promised that you would be with me for the rest of your


    life. How can you break your promise?"


    Amelia read those words out loud, and her heart trembled. Tears came pouring down from her eyes.


    She lowered her head to hide her tears.


    Guilt overwhelmed her not because of the negativements about her, but the helplessness she felt


    in her heart. She wanted to rush in his arms and help him get through those difficulties. The only thing


    that could help Lucian was Amelia''s absence. That was only how he would ept help from the An


    Group.


    "Amelia, what happened?" Mrs. Chen frowned when she heard faint sniffs from Amelia and walked


    over tofort her. "If you don''t want to give up, you can always go back and see him."


    Go back... Amelia wanted to see Lucian. If she knew how to handle the situation better than this, she


    wouldn''t have left in the first ce. After all, she could make the situation worse with her presence.


    She wiped her tears and forced a smile. "I''m fine."


    "What a pitiful child!" Mrs. Chen sighed and poured a ss of hot water for Amelia. "Take care of


    yourself, okay? Don''t let others worry about you."


    Amelia nodded.


    She nced at the messages in her mailbox. Since her phone was turned off, she wouldn''t have seen


    Courtney''s messages if it wasn''t for her email.


    Amelia pursed her lips. Could she trust Courtney? It wasn''t like Amelia had choices in this matter. She


    bought a new SIM card with the help of thendy and called Courtney before she could hesitate.


    It rang for a long time before Courtney answered it. "Hey, Courtney, it''s me." Amelia''s small voice came


    through the speaker. It took a long time for Courtney to reply back. Just as Amelia thought the phone


    was disconnected, a loud shrill came from the other side, followed by a series of scolding words.


    "Damn it! I thought you were kidnapped! People in the city are talking about you. And I''m sure Lucian


    isn''t even eating his meals at all because of you. Why are you still hiding?"


    Amelia''s breath stopped for a moment, and she felt a dull pain in her heart.


    Amelia couldn''t say anything. Instead, she was stunned by Courtney''s words. How could Amelia tell her


    friend the truth behind her absence? "What''s wrong with you?" Courtney asked in a voice filled with


    worry when Amelia didn''t reply for a long time.


    It was a bad idea! Perhaps Amelia should have ignored Courtney''s messages. Amelia bit her lower lip


    for a while and said in a low voice, "I divorced Lucian."


    She could practically imagine Courtney spitting out whatever she was drinking in the utter shock.


    "Damn it, Amelia. Are you out of your mind? Lucian is an excellent man, and he loves you so much.


    Why did you leave him?" Before Amelia could reply, Courtney''s voice came through again, and this


    time, it was filled with anger. "Amelia, are those rumors true? The Zhan Group is facing bankruptcy, and


    you are worried about living a hard life?"


    Amelia''s hand trembled after hearing those words, but she couldn''t say anything. Not yet...


    Courtney was silent for a moment as if she had just realized something important. "If you were afraid of


    suffering, you would have looked down upon Jasper when he was penniless. I know you better than


    that. You live for love, not money. The Zhan Group is facing crisis, and you wouldn''t have left just like


    that. Unless... unless you''re hiding something from me!" Courtney had begun to analyze the reason


    why Amelia did that.


    "Courtney, don''t give this number to anyone, especially not Lucian, or else I will never talk to you


    again." Amelia''s tone sounded determined.


    Courtney decided to ignore the little threat. "Where are you? Have you been eating well? Are you


    facing any issues with your room?" Courtney asked a series of questions as if she was a mother.


    Amelia tried to answer the questions in a calm voice, sniffing and wiping tears every once in a while.


    Lucian knew that Amelia didn''t have many friends. If he wanted to find her, he would investigate


    Courtney. Even though Amelia needed a shoulder, she hardened her heart and rejected Courtney''s


    proposal to see her.


    Courtney seemed to understand why Amelia suddenly became emotional and refused to give the


    address. "Don''t worry, Amelia. I won''t tell anyone. I''ll only visit you after everyone calms down, okay?"


    Courtney knew Amelia too well. She didn''t want to press Amelia.


    Amelia hung up the phone and stood in the balcony, staring at the sky absent-mindedly. Lucian''s


    appearance continued to pop up in her mind, and she wondered what he might be doing at that time.


    In the conference room of the Zhan Group, employees were gathered for a meeting.


    The chilly aura around Lucian seemed to prate everyone. The employees held their breath and


    tried to not make any mistake.


    Lucian''s face was even icier than before. The atmosphere in the meeting was so cold that everyone


    shivered at the thought of saying a single word. After a few hours, he wearily returned to the office. He


    was about to take a seat when Eric knocked on the door. "Mr. Lucian, the president of the An Group


    has arrived."


    "Let him in." He threw the documents away and guzzled the cold coffee as if it could extinguish his


    fatigue.


    Edmund had a grin on his face when he entered in a ck suit. "You seem tired because of the


    meetings. I wasn''t free until recently. You''re not angry with me for not visiting early, are you?"


    Lucian''s lips stretched to form a half-smile, and he gestured Edmund to take a seat. "And you seem


    happy. Is it because something good happened in your life?"


    Edmund felt embarrassment crawling in his heart. He coughed and decided to change the topic. "I


    heard that the Zhan Group is facing issues. Why didn''t you call me? I could''ve helped you."


    Lucian didn''t want to beat around the bush anymore. "Uncle Edmund, business is a war without bullets.


    How could you even think ofpeting with the Zhan Group by speaking politely like this?" Lucian


    nced at Edmund and sneered.


    Edmund looked at Lucian in disbelief and asked, "I thought you''d understand me. I never expected you


    to be so stubborn!"


    "The Zhan Group and the An Group used to have a good rtionship. Unfortunately, Uncle Edmund,


    you did some illegal things over the years, and yet my dad ignored it. But now, I''m in charge of the


    company." Lucian stared coldly at Edmund, sitting across him. "You''ve underestimated me, Uncle


    Edmund. Thepany is listed under mymand. You didn''t expect that, did you? Is that why you


    are jealous?" Lucian didn''t tear off his eyes from Edmund as he spoke in a sharp tone.


    Edmund shifted on his seat awkwardly and said in a hoarse voice, "Let''s see how long you can


    struggle!"


    "Don''t worry. Even if thepany''s revenue plummets, I won''t ept your help." Lucian took the


    documents and answered coldly.


    Even if thepany''s revenue plummets? A mocking smile graced Edmund''s lips. "I didn''t expect this


    from you. Your father moved heaven and earth to flourish the Zhan Group. But it seems you don''t give


    a damn about it."


    "Shut up!" Lucian mmed his palm on the table and red at Edmund. "A sly fox like you will show


    his tail one day."


    Edmund''s eyes glinted. He looked at Lucian for a long time before smiling disdainfully. "I''d like to see


    how you fight back!"


    He stood up and walked toward the door when a cold voice hampered his steps. "Don''t meet my father


    anymore, especially not as his friend." Lucian went back to work as if nothing happened.


    Edmund narrowed his eyes at Lucian. He hadn''t expected that Lucian would be so tough. "After seeing


    the situation of the Zhan group, your father asked me to help you. Let me say this bluntly. I wanted to


    protect my daughter''s happiness. Is it wrong for me to do that?"


    "It''s not protection. You''re rather humiliating me." Lucian sneered and shot Edmund a cold nce.


    "Amelia is the only woman I love."


    "Nichs used to say the same thing for Fiona. But guess what? He did fail her by marrying Fannie


    later." Edmund thought it wasn''t a big deal.


    Lucian felt as if a nail had pierced through his heart. His blood boiled, and he darted his icy cold eyes at


    Edmund. "Don''t you ever say something like that in front of me! Understand?"


    "Lucian, you''ve to see that this business world belongs to men. You can have any woman, but there''s


    going to be only one Zhan Group." Edmund didn''t give Lucian a chance to refute and left the office.


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    Lucian clenched his fists and looked at the door with an expressionless face. His eyes showed a


    different story by a severe coldness that could make anyone tremble with a nce. No matter what he


    did, he couldn''t get rid of Edmund''s words. He stared at the door and punched the table.


    Lucian would have killed the man if he could. At the same time, Amelia had just started to chop the


    vegetables when the knife slipped and fell on the ground. She stared at the knife for a long time with


    horrified eyes. Her stomach churned, making her feel ufortable.


    "Amelia, are you okay?" After hearing Mrs. Chen''s worried voice, Amelia snapped out of her daze. The


    landy started checking Amelia''s hands carefully.


    "My hands were stained with oil, and that''s why it slipped. You don''t have to worry, Mrs. Chen." Amelia


    managed to smile at the old woman.


    "Rest for a bit, okay? I''ll handle everything." Mrs. Chen picked up the knife on the ground.


    Amelia shook her head. "Mrs. Chen, I want to make lunch today. Why don''t you go and watch TV?" It


    had been over a week, and Mrs. Chen had cooked several dishes for her. Amelia wanted to reciprocate


    despite the uneasiness she felt in her heart.

 Chapter 89 Lucian Belongs To Me

    Chapter 89 Lucian Belongs To Me


    After Mrs. Chen left the kitchen, Amelia took a deep breath, regained herposure and focused on


    cooking.


    "Amelia, I have to admit that I was surprised that you could cook so well at such a young age." Mrs.


    Chenplimented Amelia¡¯s cooking when she smelled the vorful aroma of the dishes.


    In that moment, Amelia got an excessive amount of praise for her cooking. However, in the back of her


    mind she couldn¡¯t help thinking about Lucian.


    Her heart wondered if he had eaten or not...


    "Mr. Lucian, you haven¡¯t eaten your breakfast. Smoking would have a negative effect on your health."


    Pushing the lunch box forward, Eric whispered in Lucian¡¯s ear, "Miss Sasha prepared this soup for you.


    Would you like to have some first?"


    Showing no interest, Lucian did not even raised his head to look at the lunch box. He continued dealing


    with the documents then words escaped his mouth, "Just express my gratitude to Miss. Sasha. I would


    drink some when I¡¯m free."


    Eric knew that Lucian said that without interest, but he was afraid that his words might enraged him. So


    he simply nodded and agreed.


    "Eric, how did it go? Did Lucian taste my soup?" The moment Eric walked out of the office, Sasha had


    been waiting at the door. She quickly walked up to him and asked anxiously about the result.


    Then he sighed and shook his head. "Mr. Lucian asked me to express his gratitude to you on his


    behalf." He let out a deep breath, as Lucian didn''t have enough sleep or even eat properly every day


    due to the course of his busy work.


    "So, Lucian did not bother to have a taste?" Sasha opened her eyes wide. She was shocked for some


    time, and afterward angrily stated, "Everything was Amelia''s fault! She was really an attention seeker


    from the start. She humiliated Lucian!"


    "Miss Sasha, this has nothing to do with Mrs. Amelia. Besides, you''re fully aware about the situation of


    the Zhan Group." Eric was also confused about Amelia''s decision, but he still tried to protect her name.


    With a displeased look on her face, Sasha retorted, "Lucian would have been mine if it weren''t for


    Amelia''s appearance. Lucian and I are meant to be together!"


    With a frown on his face, he was worried that Lucian might hear those insensitive words. He


    immediately changed the subject. "Miss Sasha, I''m going to take a file for the CEO. I''m leaving now."


    After Eric left, Sasha stared at the door of the office and smiled enthusiastically, "Amelia has finally


    given up her seat and left. My chance for the throne has finally came."


    In the evening, Amelia received a call from Courtney, which informed her that she had dinner with


    Lucian.


    "You didn''t tell him, did you?" Amelia asked nervously over the phone as she felt chills going down her


    spine.


    "I have promised you to keep it a secret. I would not break my own words." After saying that, Courtney


    sighed and added, "Usually, Lucian was a very high spirited and healthy man. I felt so sorry for him


    when I saw him earlier."


    Amelia''s heart missed a beat and asked worriedly, "How was he? What''s going on with him?"


    Her tone was brimming with eagerness. She was nearly out of breath.


    "Although he has mustache and masculine taste, his eyes were drained, his tone was cold and


    uninterested, which wasn''t rxed as usual. He did not mention anything about you during the dinner,


    but I have a faint feeling that he needed to know your whereabouts. However, he was afraid of touching


    anything, so he intentionally avoided it," Courtney said on the other line.


    "Courtney, I''m very confused about the right thing to do. What should I do?" Her voice suddenly


    became filled with sadness, with a sense of helplessness and anxiety.


    "If you still love him,e back to him and face this problem together," Courtney replied at the other


    end of the phone without thinking of the words that escaped her mouth.


    If the situation was notplicated as it was, Amelia would agree. But the Zhan Group was her


    concern.


    "He would get used to it when time passes by. My name would not even cross his mind." In her


    perception, time was the best way to cure his pain. When Lucian got used to her absence, everything


    would get better and better.


    "But your leaving did not change the situation of the Zhan Group. Instead, you only further destroyed


    Lucian''s fighting capacity. You are source of his strength," Courtney replied.


    In her mind, Amelia didn''t expect that Lucian would be so hard-headed to refuse the help of the An


    Group.


    The reason why she signed the divorce agreement was because she thought this was the best way to


    help Lucian. After divorce, she hoped that he could agree to the request of the An Group and help the


    Zhan Group get through the crisis.


    "Courtney, we can see clearly which is more important. For Lucian, the business of the Zhan Group


    was the result of his hard work. I never wanted him to see his achievements falling in front of his own


    eyes," she said. Of course, she was not so great as to determine the life and death of the Zhan Group,


    but why didn''t she grasp this glimmer of hope as there would be a slim chance for her now?


    "Amelia, you are destroying yourself." Courtney''s heart felt sorry for her.


    "Lucian treated me sincerely, so it was all worth it. This was the least I can do for him," Amelia said in a


    firm tone, sheposed herself to avoid sad emotions.


    On the other side of the phone, Courtney remained silent for a long time before she said, "I will support


    you whatever decision you make, but you should love yourself a little. Don''t lose yourself in the process


    of loving someone so much."


    Hearing that Courtney intentionally said loudly for her good mood, Amelia felt warm in her heart.


    After being cheated by Jasper, Amelia met Lucian, which was undoubtedly a jackpot in a lottery. She


    thought the bonus would be able to buy her happiness for the rest of her life, to live a safe and a


    carefree life. However, she did not expect that their peaceful lives would be broken by a sudden bolt


    out of the blue.


    The next morning Amelia was lying in her bed, suddenly her phone rang which awakened her. Then,


    she picked up her phone and saw a text message from Courtney.


    Without any idea what happened, she was puzzled. However, the content of Courtney''s text was


    rming, Amelia was asked toe to the Zhan Group. In addition, the message stated that someone


    was going to die.


    Without any hesitation in her mind, she took a taxi along the way to Zhan Group. The doorway was


    crowded with unfamiliar faces. Her small slim body squeezed in the crowd. When the scene came into


    her view, she was terrified and hurriedly went forward.


    On the top floor of Zhan Group''s building, Fannie did not wear any makeup and barely showed her


    face. By any moment she could stab her throat by a dagger she held by herself.


    Amelia was so afraid that made her eyes rolled. Immediately, she searched around the building and


    found Lucian anxiouslymunicating with a medical staff.


    "Lucian! There you are!" She ran towards him as quick as she could, held his arm and asked in panic,


    "What the hell was going on?"


    The instance he heard the familiar voice behind him, his knees trembled with fear. Slowly, he looked


    back in disbelief but when he saw clearly who the person was, he didn''t say any word. He just held her


    towards his arms and hugged her tightly.


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    Undeniably she could feel Lucian''s excitement and worry. Tears trickled down her cheeks. "Let''s take


    mom back," she said with courage.


    "You don''t have to do it. Don''t go there." However, Lucian stopped her. He could not afford to risk her


    safety and said, "She acted like that because she wanted to take advantage of the Zhan Group''s


    current situation to threaten me."


    Amelia took a closer look to him and found that he looked awful. He had always been a gentleman with


    a smart and well-groomed face. The change was drastic, his eye bags were thick, there were stubble


    on his jaw that showed how busy and restless he was.


    Her heart was slowly being torn apart as she saw it.


    "Mom, you would really go this far? Do you still think the negative news of the Zhan Group was not


    enough?" Lucian was aware of her intention. All part of this suicidal act was trying to force Lucian to


    ept the help of the An Group.


    Thepany would be negatively affected by this kind of bias of public opinion.


    "Amelia,e here and help me." When Fannie saw Amelia, she carefully dropped the dagger and


    reached out her hand.


    "Mom, stop acting like this, there are all the media around us. Do you really want to make a good


    show?" Lucian stood in front of Amelia. He frowned and said in a cold tone. It was difficult for him to


    conceal his anger.


    There was only a sign of helpless in Fannie''s eyes. If it were before, Amelia would have not listened to


    her.


    Hearing the words she said, Amelia dazed for a second. Then she walked up to her and reached out to


    help her up. While she was helping her, Fannie casually said, "Right now, only you can persuade


    Lucian to ept the help of the An Group. Refusing that offer would crash thispany down."


    After hearing those words, Amelia''s heart trembled and her eyes kept twinkling due to nervousness. In


    addition, several media reporters around her took photos crazily and she could barely open her eyes.


    Onlooker groups scattered. After having the sensational news the reporters began to leave with


    satisfaction. The chaotic scene turned into silence.


    Lucian drove Fannie home after all that happened and Amelia followed. Nichs seemed to read the


    news. The moment he saw Fannie, his face darkened.


    "Mom, you must be tired. Would you like to have a rest upstairs?" Amelia whispered through her ear.


    Based on the situation, she was afraid that Nichs would have a big fight with Fannie.


    "Can you apany me upstairs?" Fannie looked more friendly than usual, so Lucian thought it would


    be fine and didn''t stop her.


    Inside the bedroom Fannie''s facial expression changed, she looked serious. With a cold tone she


    asked, "Since you''ve signed the divorce agreement, why don''t you be more decisive?"


    Her words sent chills down to Amelia''s spine. ''Signing the divorce agreement brought immeasurable


    pain to me, and it would also hurt Lucian. Why does it be a thing for Fannie?'' she thought.


    But on the second thought, she remembered that she was not weed as her daughter-inw. So


    her mother-inw should have been happy that about the divorce.


    "I wouldn''t have shown up if it weren''t for what happened this morning," Amelia replied. The moment


    she heard the news, Amelia couldn''t help but ran towards them.


    "I am pretty sure you woulde." After shing a gloating smile, she then cast a cold nce at


    Amelia and said, "Lucian is your weakness, and you are his. If you can make him hate you, then the


    Zhan Group will have a slim chance of survival."


    Never in her wildest dreams did Amelia imagined that the Zhan Group''s existence would have anything


    to do with her.


    Seeing Amelia went downstairs, Lucian said to Nichs, "Dad, we''re leaving now."


    As a sign of respect, Amelia did a small curtsy to him as well. The moment she turned around, Nichs


    called out her attention, "Amelia, you are a very good girl."


    The words he said touched the softest part of her heart. Her eyes were full of tears. After a few moment


    she smiled and said, "Dad, always take care of yourself."


    Perhaps, this would be thest time she called him dad. This moment might be considered as their


    farewell to each other.


    Aftering out of the Zhan mansion, Lucian got hold her hand then he forcibly dragged her into his


    arms. Before senses could hit her, Lucian''s lips covered hers fiercely...


    All her sadness suddenly vanished because of his actions toward her. Tears started to roll down her


    cheeks and eventually covered her whole face.


    Tears flowed on their lips, Lucian stopped kissing her. He held her beautiful face then he felt as if


    knives were piercing through his heart.


    "Why did you leave without a saying a word?" The originally angry questioning turned to a gentle one


    filled with love.

 Chapter 90 Please Come Back To Me

    Chapter 90 Please Come Back To Me


    There was a lump in Amelia''s throat and she felt tears welling in her eyes.


    But the thought of what would happen to Zhan Group kept Amelia from breaking down. She sniffed and


    held herself from crying. Despite wanting nothing more than to hug Lucian, Amelia said indifferently, "I


    can''t live without money."


    She looked away, avoiding Lucian''s eyes.


    "Our lives would still be rich and happy, even without Zhan Group," Lucian said as he reached to take


    Amelia''s hands in his.


    Amelia didn''t expect Lucian to say those words. She wondered if he really believed what she just said.


    She felt an indescribable sadness swell in her heart. Amelia had never been interested in Lucian''s


    money. But if Lucian believed her, she thought that she could be more ruthless.


    Amelia pulled her hands away from Lucian and eximed, "Oh, who cares? Our rtionship is a farce.


    At the time, I was just too timid to say no to you. I was afraid that you''d expose my photos and


    manipte me, so I thought I would just y along. Now that Zhan Group is in crisis, this is the best


    time for me to be rid of you."


    Amelia''s voice was loud and her voice was as cold as steel.


    Lucian''s face lost all expression. His air was dark and serious, only his eyes betrayed tenderness and


    affection.


    Seeing this, Amelia felt a tinge of pain in her heart. She clenched her fists tightly and reminded herself


    that she must appear strong.


    "Is that what you really think?" Lucian didn''t believe her. As if he was reading her mind, he continued,


    "Or are you just saying that to make me ept An Group''s offer? You''re just saying these things to


    make me hate you!"


    Amelia turned to look at him but said nothing.


    Lucian held her in his arms and whispered into her ear, "Darling, stay with me. I need you now more


    than ever."


    Hearing Lucian call her darling almost broke Amelia''s heart into pieces. Helpless in his embrace, she


    couldn''t think of anything else to reply.


    But Amelia knew that if she didn''t take control of the situation, things could get worse for Lucian and


    Zhan Group.


    With tears in her eyes, Amelia pushed Lucian away. "Do you really think I''de back to you seeing


    how you look right now?"


    Lucian did indeed look tired and rugged, but he still maintained his handsome looks, which made


    Amelia''s heart hurt even more.


    "I''m sorry. It''s true. I haven''t been taking care of myself since I haven''t seen you in days." It was a


    surprise to hear the cold and often arrogant Lucian apologize.


    "I''ve always thought of you as a man of action, always calm and collected. But look at you right now!


    Do you think you can solve anything in this sorry state?" Amelia hoped that this would snap Lucian


    back to his senses. She wanted him to regain the courage to fight for Zhan Group and get thepany


    out of crisis. It was important that Lucian ept An Group''s help.


    "Don''t worry about me. I can do anything as long as I have you. I don''t care about anything else." He


    regretted not answering her call. Guilt was eating him.


    These words only made Amelia less confident in her resolve. She tried to catch her breath as her chest


    was beginning to tighten.


    "I''ve made my decision, Lucian. I''m noting back," Amelia said with determination. Her clenched


    fists tightened as she felt her heart breaking even more.


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    "Stop this!" Lucian hugged her again, only tighter this time. "Let''s go home," he said gently.


    Amelia agreed to get in the car as she didn''t want to disturb Lucian''s parents with their argument. They


    were driving downtown, when she demanded that they stop. "I want to get out now!"


    "Do you want to see Courtney?" Lucian asked, looking at Courtney''s shop. It was just a few steps


    away.


    "Mr. Lucian, if there''s one thing that''s be clear to me all week, it''s that you and I were never meant


    to be together. Our rtionship was a mistake and I finally have the courage to tell the truth. I don'' love


    you," she forcefully said, mming the car door on Lucian''s face.


    Lucian followed her out of the car and grabbed her hand. Amelia could clearly see the pain in Lucian''s


    eyes. "What the hell is wrong with you, Amelia?" He couldn''t find it in his heart to believe every word


    coming out of Amelia''s mouth. He wasn''t sure if this was still the same Amelia he knew.


    "We don''t have an emotional connection. There are no feelings whatsoever, not to mention


    understanding and trust. I don''t love you, Mr. Lucian," Amelia said in a harsh tone, wearing the most


    heartless expression.


    She watched as Lucian''s eyes became nk. The hand he held out to grab her fell to his side.


    Frustrated, he asked, "You don''t love me? What about all of those sweet nights, Amelia?"


    Lucian looked breathless, like a bag of sand was thrust on his chest.


    "Shouldn''t we all just be practical? All this talk of love and romance doesn''t suit you. It''s making me


    hate you more," Amelia said firmly, hoping that this would finally push Lucian to let her go and ept


    An Group''s offer.


    Lucian couldn''t see how this Amelia could be the woman he loved. He didn''t know this side of her, so


    he asked, "That woman who worried about waste and this woman who says she doesn''t live without


    money, are they the same Amelia?" "That''s out of the question. Whoever I may be, it doesn''t make a


    difference. We do not belong together!" Amelia looked calm despite her head being a storm of


    thoughts.


    "Every word you''re saying now is breaking my heart, Amelia. It''s like you''re thrusting a knife into my


    heart," Lucian scowled as he clutched his chest.


    Amelia wanted so badly to cry, but she bit her lower lip to stop herself from betraying any emotion.


    "Take care, Mr. Lucian," she bid him goodbye.


    With that, she turned her back to him and left in a hurry.


    As soon as she entered Courtney''s milk tea shop, she dropped on her knees and cried. The emotions


    she withheld only minutes earlier came pouring out in waves.


    Hiding behind the door, she watched as the man she left outside walked back exasperated to his car


    and drove off. She could only sob to herself.


    Hearing her loud cries, Courtney rushed to her friend and helped her on her feet. Courtney scolded


    Amelia despite having a vague inkling as to what just happened, "Why are you crying there? People


    might think this shop is closing down! Come now."


    Amelia came back to her senses when she heard Courtney mentioned the possibility of the shop


    closing down. She wiped the tears off her face, but she couldn''t stop her eyes from welling up.


    "Come on. On your feet. No one''s in right now. Let''s go," Courtney said, assisting Amelia. Courtney


    couldn''t help but feel sad for her friend, seeing her in this sorry state.


    "Courtney, I said a lot of mean things to Lucian. I feel bad..." Amelia told Courtney with remorse,


    clinging tightly to her.


    Courtney understood and said, "If you don''t love him, just leave him, Amelia. But if you walk away from


    this rtionship despite knowing deep down that you''re desperately in love with him, the pain is going


    to be worse than killing yourself."


    Amelia kept crying. The gravity of the words she said to Lucian was dawning on her and it only made


    her more depressed.


    When Lucian said that it felt like Amelia was breaking his heart, did he not realize that it was the same


    for her as she said those things?


    "I just hope he''d finally ept An Group''s help," Amelia sobbed. She didn''t see how Lucian could hold


    out for long without assistance from An Group.


    "We''ll never know. But I must say, I admire Lucian more now. He didn''t consider leaving you despite


    what An Group offered," Courtney observed.


    "Feelings change. And the An and Zhan families are well matched. Miss An loves Lucian so much. I


    know they''d be happy together." Amelia tried to convince herself.


    "You''re always putting others'' needs ahead of yours. I just hope you''d find peace and happiness after


    this," Courtney sighed. She poured Amelia a ss of honey water after helping her to a chair. "Hey,


    don''t worry about it. I''m always here for you."


    Amelia wiped her tears away and forced a smile. "Thank you, Courtney. I''m okay. I just hope things get


    better for Zhan Group." Although heartbroken, Amelia was firm in her belief that she made the right


    decision. But every time she remembered that she would never be with Lucian again, she felt more


    hopeless.


    After a quiet dinner with Courtney, Amelia nned on going back to her apartment by cab. Having had


    a bit of wine, Amelia felt a little tipsy standing on the curb. She was trying to hail a taxi, when a strong


    hand pulled her to the side. She looked up and didn''t recognize the man''s face. Under the streetmp,


    his eyes looked menacing.


    Courtney told Amelia to take the bus home, but Amelia refused. She said she didn''t have much wine so


    she could very well go home by herself, but she certainly didn''t foresee having to deal with this strange


    man. Amelia was just about to shout for help, when the man covered her mouth and whispered, "If you


    want to save Zhan Group, you better shut your mouth."


    Upon hearing the man mention Zhan Group, Amelia stopped resisting.


    The man was tall and dark. Despite the night being particrly chilly, he only wore a ck vest and a


    pair of camouge trousers.


    "This isn''t the best ce to talk. Come with me!" the man said roughly, putting a heavy hand on her


    shoulder.


    It was already past ten in the evening. Dinner dragged on because Courtney was in the mood for


    drinking. Walking with the man by her side made Amelia extremely nervous. Scenes from horror and


    suspense movies yed in her head. She looked around and thought of ways to escape.


    Sensing her intention, the man turned to her, "Miss Mo, please cooperate. My boss won''t hurt you."


    The man held her by the shoulders, effectively reducing Amelia''s chances of running away.


    "Your boss? Lucian?"


    Amelia asked. Her heart was thumping loudly in her chest.


    "Get in the car." An imposing ck car appeared out of nowhere and the strange man pushed her in


    without saying any more.


    Amelia couldn''t see who was driving the car. After a moment of silence, she couldn''t help but ask, "Are


    you working for Lucian?"


    "You better rest, Miss Mo. It looks like you had a drink," the man curtly replied. He turned to look


    outside, making it apparent to Amelia that he didn''t want to say more.


    The car drove on until it stopped in front of an abandoned building about thirty minutester. The


    darkness only made Amelia more frightened for her safety.


    Was she kidnapped, she wondered. Did the two men know that she was Lucian''s wife? Did they lure


    her there for information or ransom?

 Chapter 91 The Mysterious Mans Idea

    Chapter 91 The Mysterious Man''s Idea


    "What you''re doing is illegal, sir!" Amelia protested. She scanned the ce where the strange men took


    her but wouldn''t go forward for fear of what she''d find in the dark. She stubbornly sat down on the


    ground, signaling to the men that she was going to stay put.


    This didn''t do much as the men easily lifted her and pushed her inside the abandoned house.


    "Ah!" Amelia screamed when the door clicked and swung open. The whole ce was dead silent.


    Amelia knelt on the floor. She didn''t dare move, fearing what would happen next.


    "Are you Amelia?" A voice came out of the darkness. It was loud and reverberated in the room, making


    it sound weird and frightful for Amelia.


    Despite her nerves, Amelia answered, "Yes. Who are you?"


    She helplessly tried to make out figures in the darkness, searching for the man whose voice she was


    hearing. Amelia''s heart was thumping loudly, but she tried her best to appear calm.


    "It doesn''t matter who I am. All you need to know is that I''m here to help you." Amelia could tell that the


    voice wasing from a man, but that was all she could tell about the person she was talking to. His


    voice sounded mysterious and cold.


    "Help me?" Amelia asked, looking around in confusion. But whoever abducted her seemed like he had


    no intention of revealing himself. Only a stretch of darknessid in front of her. "Stop ying


    mysterious and show yourself!" Amelia snapped.


    A million possibilities of what might happen ran in her head. The threat to her safety had never felt


    more real. She could feel herself sweating bullets.


    "Don''t be afraid. I promise that we won''t hurt you. I just want to ask you a few questions," the man


    assured her. His voice sounded gentler but it didn''t do anything to quell Amelia''s fears. On the contrary,


    the darkness and silence that enveloped the area made her more and more scared.


    "I don''t even know who you are. Why should I answer your questions?" Amelia was scared, but she


    wouldn''t easily give her captors what they wanted.


    The manughed. "You''re very stubborn." The amusement died down in his voice when he continued,


    "Do you really want Zhan Group to survive the crisis?"


    "Of course!" she answered without thinking. If anything, it was what she wanted the most.


    "Are you really willing to give up Lucian for that cause?" The mysterious man asked the question she


    was least willing to answer herself.


    Saying that she was willing to give up Lucian would be a lie. But saying that she was not willing to do


    so would not do Zhan Group any good.


    "That''s a question I will not answer," she retorted.


    It seemed to Amelia that the man smiled just then. He continued, "As far as I know, Lucian doesn''t want


    to ept any help from An Group, even if you''re willing to trade him for it."


    Amelia knew what Lucian was like. Once he''d made up his mind, it was difficult to make him change it.


    If leaving him would not make Lucian ept An Group''s offer, then Zhan Group would be a lost cause.


    She would have lost the love of her life for nothing.


    "You seem to know a lot about An Group and Zhan Group. Who are you?" Amelia couldn''t help but


    wonder why this man knew about what was happening between the twopanies.


    The mysterious man paused for a long time, after which he said, "Being too smart won''t do you much


    good. Let''s stop beating around the bush. If you really want to save Zhan Group, cut off your


    connection with Lucianpletely!"


    The man said that firmly. The patience in his voice was dangerously waning.


    "I''ve already signed the divorce papers. I''ve been staying away from Lucian. Aren''t those enough?" The


    memory of the harsh things she said to Lucian came back to haunt her. It broke her heart to imagine


    the pain she knew she caused him.


    "These things only made him sad, but they won''t make him change his mind, let alone marry Miss An,"


    the man replied.


    "What and how he thinks is beyond me. I can''t make him think what you want him to think," Amelia


    said. She may have mixed feelings for Lucian, and it was undeniable that she was bing


    sentimental every time Lucian was mentioned.


    "Oh, I have an idea!" The man''s voice boomed. "The young master of the An family doesn''t have a wife


    nor a girlfriend. If you want to make Lucian hate you, you should consider marrying the young master.


    This way, Lucian would give up on you and marry Miss An."


    "How could you think that?" Amelia answered in shock.


    Jonny had helped her a lot in the years she''d known him. She regarded him as a brother. If there was


    any love between the two of them, it was definitely not romantic.


    "Well, don''t give me your final answer now. Think about it."


    "Who the hell are you?" Amelia thought that the man could only be either from An Group or Zhan


    Group. "Do you work for An Group? Or..."


    She didn''t want to consider that the man worked for Lucian''s family. Although thinking about how


    Fannie tried tomit suicide in Zhan Group to lure her out, she wouldn''t easily dismiss the possibility


    of him being a Zhan Group employee.


    "It doesn''t matter who I am, Miss Mo. What matters is the future of Zhan Group. If you don''t make the


    right decision, Zhan Group will go bankrupt within the week." The mysterious man''s voice rxed a bit.


    Amelia thought he even sounded delighted at the mention of Zhan Group''s possible downfall. "I think


    the young master would be very happy to help you save your belovedpany."


    As soon as the man finished speaking, the iron doors of the abandoned house creaked open. Amelia


    saw two men carrying shlightse in. It was the strange men who abducted her from Courtney''s


    shop. "We''ll drive you back, Miss Mo," one of the men said.


    Amelia pulled herself up and followed the men outside. Getting into the car, she weighed the pros and


    cons of letting these men take her home. If she told them her address, they''d know where she lived.


    They were driving downtown when Amelia asked to be dropped off in front of a hotel.


    "Will you be staying here tonight, Miss Mo?" one of the men asked.


    Amelia didn''t think it was any of their concern. She got out of the car but turned back before she could


    reach the hotel door. Amelia shouted at the dark man, "You better stop doing this. If you or your boss


    has anything to say to me, don''te scaring and abducting me in the middle of the night!" Amelia''s


    clothes were damp with cold sweat. She felt her knees wobbling out of fear. The trauma of having been


    abducted was only just dawning on her.


    She raised her voice to hide her panic.


    It was already midnight and there was no one out in the streets. A taxi drove by every now and then but


    everywhere else, the city looked asleep. It was only the hotel that looked like it was still open for


    business. The lights from its windows looked warm and inviting.


    "Miss Mo, please forgive my offences tonight," the dark man apologized sincerely.


    It was a gesture Amelia didn''t expect.


    Without saying anything, Amelia merely turned her back on the car and marched towards the hotel.


    She heard the car drive off but she didn''t care. For the first time that night, she felt safe.


    It would be Amelia''s first night in a hotel. Walking across the lobby''s marbled floor under the crystal


    chandeliers made her heart beat in excitement. The room was empty, save for thedy manning the


    front desk. She greeted her sweetly.


    Amelia checked the price list on the counter and asked weakly, "How much is your cheapest room?"


    "I''m sorry, Miss. All of our basic rooms have been booked for the night. But we have one deluxe suite


    left. Would that be okay?"


    "Only one room left?" Amelia asked, frustrated.


    "Yes. All the other rooms have been booked already," thedy answered patiently.


    "How much for the deluxe suite?" Amelia asked nervously. She had already seen the price list and she


    knew all of the rooms were expensive. Nevertheless, she wanted to confirm the cost.


    "Eight hundred and eighty-eight dors," thedy replied.


    Amelia calcted. If she took a taxi home that night, she''d have to pay one to two hundred dors. But


    she didn''t want to risk it. The strange men could still be out there. If she went home, they could


    definitely follow her.


    She had to spend the night in the hotel for her own safety.


    Amelia nodded weakly and took the card key. Once she got into her room, she immediately understood


    why the room was so expensive. The whole suite looked extravagant and ssy. Amelia was


    pleasantly surprised.


    The suite had two bedrooms and the beds looked soft and inviting. Exhausted, Ameliaid down


    without thinking. She had already gone through so much in just one night.


    "Just enjoy yourself tonight, Amelia," she told herself. "We''ll make up for this loss tomorrow." And with


    that, she doze off.


    Amelia was woken up by her doorbell ringing the next morning.


    She got up with a start and looked around the strange room. It took her a couple of seconds to


    remember that she checked in the hotelst night.


    She wrapped herself in a robe and went to answer the door. She hadn''t even washed her face or


    brushed her teeth. She opened the door and was shocked. It was Jonny. "How did you know I was


    here?" she asked.


    Jonny was wearing a pinstripe suit. He answered with a gentle smile, "This hotel belongs to An Group.


    I''ve been asking for information on you, so as soon as you checked in, I knew that you were here."


    "Oh..." Amelia smiled, happy to see Jonny. "I''m just going to clean myself up a bit."


    "Okay. I''ll wait for you at the hotel restaurant," Jonny replied.


    Not wanting to make the situation any more awkward, Amelia nodded in agreement.


    It took Amelia about ten minutes to freshen up. When she went downstairs, she found Jonny sitting at


    the bar, enjoying his cup of coffee. Seeing Amelia, he stood up and waved at her.


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    "You have to try their shrimp porridge. It''s delicious! It''s especially good for your stomach," Jonny said,


    pushing a bowl of hot porridge in front of her as soon as she sat down.


    Amelia could only smile and ept.


    "Amelia, I know that your life is your business, and I''d never want to intrude. But I''ve been your


    schoolmate for years and I''ve always thought of you as a little sister. I hope you know I''m here for you,


    especially in times of difficulty," Jonny said with a gentle smile. His eyes were full of concern.


    Amelia took a spoonful of porridge. As she ate, she couldn''t help but remember the mysterious man''s


    advice to herst night. Seeing Jonny''s charming smile, Amelia blushed and lowered her head.


    She didn''t want to make matters moreplicated than they already were. Amelia was tired of


    thinking. For the first time in a long while, her mind was clear and she felt ashamed for it.

 Chapter 92 Made A Difficult Decision

    Chapter 92 Made A Difficult Decision


    "I''ve already divorced Lucian, Jonny." Her face was expressionless but she could feel her heart beat


    pulsing in her ears. She felt as if everything inside her was aching.


    "I heard. That''s why I was so worried about you." Jonny''s face darkened, a shadow of regret visible. "I


    don''t believe you''re anything like what they say you are. You probably have a lot of unspoken feelings."


    "Jonny, I hope Lucian chooses to ept the help from the An Group." Jonny had always been there for


    Amelia and she was willing to open up to him and tell him the truth. However, this was different. Only


    Lucian could take away her pain.


    "Amelia, I feel ashamed but my father and I haven''t been on good terms for years. He refuses to take


    my advice and insists on doing things his own way. He favors Shelly now and Shelly wants to marry


    Lucian. That''s why he offered to help Zhan Group in the first ce. So he could get Lucian to marry


    Shelly." Jonny looked deeply regretful. "But as far as I know, Lucian won''t be threatened by my father."


    It seemed that they were all saying the same thing¡ªthat Lucian wasn''t going to be threatened by


    anyone. However, this didn''t really help with Amelia''s unease. She said, "Jonny,st night, I met this


    stranger¨Ca man. He offered me help but..."


    Amelia couldn''t bring herself to finish her sentence.


    "A stranger?" Jonny repeated. He then asked in concern, "Did you get hurt?"


    Amelia shook her head and replied honestly, "He told me that the only way I could manipte Lucian is


    by marrying you... Lucian will then marry Miss An out of anger. That''s the only way we can save the


    Zhan Group."


    Amelia hated saying those words out loud but she was at a loss¡ªshe didn''t know how else to get


    Lucian to decide already.


    Jonny was visibly surprised, keeping his gaze on Amelia. After a pause, he asked, "Well, what do you


    think?"


    "What?" Amelia looked at Jonny nkly. Aftering to her senses, she answered truthfully, "You''re


    important to me but I don''t love you in that way. If we do this, I apologize in advance to you."


    If this was the only way to help Lucian, she was willing to do it but then, she''d feel like she''d be in debt


    to Jonny.


    "What if I agree?" With a warm smile on his face, Jonny looked at Amelia lovingly.


    "Jonny..." Amelia was at a loss for words. She couldn''t believe that Jonny would even agree.


    "You don''t have to apologize. The reason why I''ve been single all these years is that I only do what I


    want to do. If this can help you then I''ll do it," Jonny said calmly. He just wanted to take a load off


    Amelia''s shoulders.


    "This isn''t going to be my first marriage, you know," Amelia blurted out.


    She''d already married Lucian. If she suddenly married Jonny, what would Lucian think? Would he think


    that she was disloyal?


    She couldn''t help but sneer at herself in her mind when she thought of this. She was doing this of her


    own volition so she shouldn''t care what Lucian would think of her.


    "No matter what happens, you''re still the kind, little girl that I know you to be," Jonny said with a smile.


    When he spoke, his eyes seemed distant as if his mind was far off, thinking about something else.


    "So, Jonny... Do you think that Lucian will ept the help from the An Group if we do this?" This was


    all she cared about.


    All of a sudden, the smile on Jonny''s face disappeared and he said solemnly, "There may be a


    possibility but what''s important is that we all work together."


    Despite her confusion, she merely nodded in response.


    "Amelia, you don''t have to go back to renting a ce. I have an empty apartment. Feel free to move in


    there," Jonny suggested. He was worried about how Amelia was living alone.


    "No, it''s fine. Myndy is very kind to me. I don''t mind staying there," she refused politely as she


    smiled.


    It seemed that Jonny had expected she would refuse so he smiled and said, "Don''t worry. We''re only


    getting married on paper." "You''re still like a younger sister to me,"


    Jonny added casually.


    Amelia couldn''t help but be reminded of her first meeting with Lucian. They also initially only agreed to


    get married on paper. What they didn''t expect to happen was that they would develop feelings for each


    other. Now, they loved each other deeply.


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    "Once Lucian marries my sister, the Zhan Group will be saved. Then we can terminate our marriage,"


    Jonny continued.


    Amelia couldn''t help but feel guilty. She didn''t know how to face Jonny now. In addition to the gratitude


    she was feeling in her heart, she was also feeling some guilt.


    "Jonny, thank you," Amelia simply said as she didn''t know how else to respond.


    "I just hope you won''t be sad all the time," Jonny said, looking at her with concern in his eyes.


    Not wanting to bother Mrs. Chen, Amelia''sndy, Amelia called her and informed her that she


    wouldn''t being home to her apartment in the meantime.


    She figured she''d be able to live her life more peacefully without worrying about the Zhan Group after


    everything had been settled already.


    After she''d moved in to the apartment that Jonny had arranged for her, she then read rumors about her


    staying with Jonny.


    The reports wrote, "Mr. Jonny An of the An Group has spent a night with Mrs. Amelia of the Zhan


    Group."


    The title was eye-catching and anyone reading it would be entranced to read the article.


    As she held the newspaper, her hands were trembling. She then grabbed her phone and as expected,


    she found that the news was everywhere.


    There were also photos of Jonny speaking to her at the door of the hotel room and photos of them


    having breakfast together.


    The media was savage like that¡ªthey would prey on anything just to get the people talking.


    At this moment, Amelia''s phone suddenly started ringing¡ªit was Jonny. Before she could say anything,


    Jonny had already spoken. He said, "Amelia, this was obviously orchestrated by my father. Don''t worry.


    I''ll fix this. Now I''m..."


    Despite Amelia''s restlessness, she was still in her right mind. She interrupted him, "Jonny, since this is


    happening already, why not take advantage of it?" They''d already agreed on getting married anyway.


    Maybe they could use this opportunity to make their marriage believable.


    "Amelia, have you really made up your mind already?" Jonny asked with much uncertainty.


    "Yes, I have." Amelia knew she didn''t have time to hesitate. If she waited, things with the Zhan Group


    were only going to worsen.


    Lucian was a force to be reckoned with in the industry. Naturally, people were going to take advantage


    of his downfall.


    Amelia would read news about businesses but had trouble understanding anything. The only thing she


    was able to get from reading all the news was that the Zhan Group was in trouble.


    She only grew more worried which was why she made sure she decided on this quickly. It was the only


    way she could help. Even if it meant taking a leap, she was willing to do anything¡ªshe was going to


    take the fall even if she didn''t know what was going to happen next.


    She waited for Jonny''s call the entire morning. Come afternoon, Jonny finally called her and asked her


    to attend a press conference.


    Despite being a little scared and nervous, she agreed to it.


    At the press conference, Jonny thankfully answered most of the questions. When he nced at


    Amelia, he said in a pleased tone, "When I first saw Amelia, I fell in love right away. Since then, we''ve


    decided to get married."


    Upon hearing this, all the reporters went into an uproar. All the cameras were now pointed towards the


    two of them. Despite being taken aback, Amelia tried her best to remain calm and act as natural as


    possible.


    "Mrs. Amelia, have you decided to look for someone else because Zhan Group is in trouble?" The


    question was directed at her and it was so straightforward that she didn''t know how to respond.


    "This is our personal life and there''s no need to respond to any other questions. We just wanted to


    rify that we are now in a rtionship. We will not respond to any more questions." Jonny put his arm


    around Amelia''s shoulder and said with a smile, "Let''s go."


    Amelia mindlessly followed Jonny.


    She was only able to rx when they were finally on their own, with no cameras and reporters. She


    looked up at Jonny and said, "I''m so sorry for all this, Jonny."


    Jonny shook his head and said, "Don''t be so formal with me. It''s all my fault that I have no say when it


    comes to my father. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have taken so much work."


    Amelia definitely felt the tension between Jonny and his father at the dinner partyst time.


    "Jonny An!" Just then, a cold voice came from not far away.


    Both Amelia and Jonny turned their heads. They were surprised to find Lucian who was walking


    towards them. He then grabbed Jonny by the cor and bellowed, "You fucking bastard!"


    Lucian then raised his fist andnded a punch across Jonny''s face.


    "Lucian!" Amelia cried in fright when she saw that Lucian was about to raise his fist again.


    Amelia didn''t want any fights anymore. So she raised her hand in an attempt to stop Lucian but he


    didn''t seem to realize that Amelia''s hands were raised so he identally hit her.


    It hurt Amelia so bad that tears streamed down from her face. Still, she made sure she didn''t cry out in


    pain and remained silent.


    "Amelia, are you okay?" Jonny was scared. He hurriedly stood up and grabbed Amelia''s hands,


    checking them anxiously.


    Amelia kept her gaze at Lucian, tears welling up in her eyes. Lucian was stunned and looking back at


    her in utter disbelief. It seemed that he hadn''t realized what had happened until it was all over.

 Chapter 93 An Escape From Disaster

    Chapter 93 An Escape From Disaster


    "I''m fine," Amelia quietly responded as she withdrew her hands.


    While her eyes were dry, her voice indicated that she was on the verge of tears. Notwithstanding what


    she was feeling, she decided to force a smile in order not to make Lucian feel guilty. "If that will make


    you feel better," she started, evidently avoiding Lucian''s gaze, "I guess I have nothing else to say."


    Lucian felt a painful pang in his chest. What Amelia said and what happened during the press


    conference were things that he never anticipated would happen.


    He admitted that while he had been curious about the nature of Amelia and Jonny''s rtionship, he


    had never doubted her love for him.


    ''But now... what is happening? What is going wrong?'' he asked inwardly, confused and frustrated.


    "Amelia..." he finally said. His voice was quiet and his tone was grave. "Tell me the truth. What are we?


    Were you just... ying with my feelings?" An expression of hurt, exasperation, and disbelief contorted


    Lucian''s beautiful face. No matter how much he tried to stay strong andposed, his emotions were


    overwhelming every bit of his spirit.


    Upon hearing Lucian''s question, Amelia''s head shot up. Her eyes met his, and she immediately saw


    how cold his gaze was. However, behind his menacing re, she noticed that his eyes were bloodshot,


    and that he had unkempt stubble on his chin. She also realized how thinner and more stressed out he


    looked aspared to thest time she saw him.


    Because of that, Amelia couldn''t help but tear up.


    "Lucian! Don''t talk to Amelia in such a rude tone!" Jonny warned, moving in front of Amelia as if to


    protect her.


    With Jonny''s sudden intervention, Lucian became fired up with rage. He turned his gaze to Jonny and


    asked, in a tone so cold one would shake, "Why are you so hell-bent on taking everything I have?"


    Jonny straightened his stance in defiance of the visibly angry Lucian. "Just ept the reality, buddy,"


    he said with a dismissive tone. He then wrapped his arm around Amelia and whisked her away from


    Lucian.


    ps from someone watching the events unfold trickled slowly. Shelly quickly came over with her head


    high and a smug expression on her face. Because of her extremelyvish ball gown, she looked like a


    victorious princess. With a malicious smirk on her lips she said, "Oh wow, what an incredibly realistic


    rendering of a disaster that is about to happen!" Her voice echoed throughout the whole hall, loud and


    clear.


    "At this point, you even intend to be my sister-inw?! Stop being such a pathetic bitch!" she


    added.


    Amelia knew that the more she tried to exin her side to Lucian, the moreplicated things would


    be. ''I am not willing to risk that, '' she thought, feeling powerless. ''I''d rather him hate me to the core


    forever than cause any more damage. And besides... he will be marrying Shelly.''


    "Lucian," Shelly continued, her tone still pointed. "Don''t be sad. A woman like her who only cares about


    fame and fortune will receive what she deserves one day!" She then turned to Lucian, a sweet smile


    lighting up her face. It was her way offorting him.


    "You better shut your nasty mouth, Shelly!" Jonny shouted, anger evident in his voice. Upon hearing


    Jonny''s voice, the previously arrogant woman suddenly became meek and agreeable. She gently


    wrapped her arm around Lucian''s, as if looking for protection andfort.


    "Dear brother, please do not think that you can do anything you want just because you won''t inherit


    An''s property. That woman will never marry into An family!" she said, a gloating smile on her face.


    "Amelia and I have a ce to live, Shelly. You don''t have to worry about that," Jonny responded in a


    cold tone.


    "nning to live together, huh? Isn''t it too soon for that?" As she said that, Shelly looked at Amelia


    from her head to her toes with much contempt. With obvious disgust in her voice, she said, "You know


    what, dear brother? Never mind that. I have an advice for you: hold a wedding as soon as possible. I


    am sure that if that girl gets pregnant before your marriage, she will im that Lucian is the father of


    the baby she''s carrying. I do not want that to happen."


    Amelia wasn''t able to hold her anger in. On the top of her lungs, she screamed, "You!" As much as she


    wanted to say and do worse things to Shelly at that moment, seeing the expression on Lucian''s eyes


    stopped her.


    He had already misunderstood her. There was no point in fighting Shelly, or in trying to prove that she


    was right in front of him.


    Amelia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. After a few seconds, she opened them and said in a


    very calm tone, "Thank you for your concern, Miss Shelly. Jonny and I will consider your advice." With


    that, she turned around and left. She didn''t know what Lucian was going to think about her after


    everything that had happened, but she didn''t care. All she wanted was to get out of that ce.


    The whole thing had be a nightmare to her, and thest thing she wanted to consider was


    Lucian''s feelings.


    If she had to be ruthless, she would be this time. ''For my own good this time around, '' she thought.


    Lucian could only stare at the receding figures of Amelia and Jonny. "Lucian, don''t be sad," Shelly


    suddenly whispered. "I''m here with you." There was a smug smile on her face. Soon enough, she was


    leaning on him in an attempt to flirt. In her sweetest voice possible, she said, "It''s a good thing we


    wouldn''t be able to see them every day."


    Lucian, however, was not in the mood for Shelly''s games. Quickly, he removed her from his body and


    told her coldly, "When you get home, tell your father that I am epting your family''s help."


    This took Shelly by surprise. She never thought that Lucian would agree to her father''s terms, but here


    he was, telling her to tell her father he would push through with the deal.


    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    "Lucian, is that true?" she earnestly asked, as she once again seized Lucian''s arm to shake it gently.


    "Yes," Lucian answered tly. Despite his answer, there was sadness in his eyes that Shelly had never


    seen before.


    That night, Amelia learned from the news that Lucian was going to marry the daughter of the An family.


    Her shoulders slumped, her eyes moistened, and she felt both anger and sadness well up inside her.


    Not wanting to keep it in, she channeled all her negative emotions on the remote control on her hand¡ª


    she threw it on the ground and stepped on it. When that didn''t help, she resigned to the fact that all she


    could do was cry. Just as she was about to do that, her phone rang.


    It was Courtney. Amelia guessed that she must have seen the news.


    As expected, the moment she picked up the phone, Courtneyid it all on her with no repercussions.


    "Hey, Amelia!" she shouted on the other end of the line, shock in her voice. "Is Lucian really getting


    married to the daughter of the An family?"


    Amelia had to quicklypose herself in order not to rm her friend. Biting her lips, she responded,


    "Yes." The heartbreak was making her chest painful. ''Isn''t this what you want? This is what you want!''


    she thought, trying to calm herself down.


    "Okay, I''m not going to ask you how you are," Courtney said on the end of the line. "But... do you want


    to go out for a drink? If you want to. I will apany you! Damn it, my treat!" Despite Courtney''s


    efforts to sound enthusiastic as if nothing was wrong, she wasn''t able to hide the concern in her voice.


    Amelia looked out the window beside her. Everything was dark, except for the distant streetlights that


    were twinkling like stars. Cars were passing by asionally, but aside from that, the night was


    peaceful. ording to Jonny, he had bought the vi two years ago but no one had lived in it since


    then. He told her that he wanted her to move in to clean it up for him and to bring life to it.


    "What are you saying?" Amelia responded, forcing an annoyed tone. "I''m not upset at all. Why would I


    drink?" Looking at the lights seemed to have calmed her down.


    "Well, if you say so," Courtney said cautiously. "But if anything happens, just call me, okay?" "Yeah,


    yeah," Amelia answered. Courtney then hung up the phone.


    Silence. While she stood in front of the windowsill as she looked at all the lights in the city far away, she


    felt alone. When she saw the news a while ago, a huge wave of sadness hit her hard and it had not left.


    She didn''t dare think about Lucian because she knew that it would send her on a downward spiral.


    Because of that, in her mind, she kept him at bay so that she wouldn''t have to face the reality that the


    man who owned her heart would be marrying someone else.


    Within a week, the Zhan Group once again became profitable. Lucian began to appear in various


    business activities, and every time he did, only one person was next to him: Shelly. They were ying


    their part as a newly engaged couple and they looked happy to be with each other.


    Amelia stood in front of the television and saw them smile at each other from time to time. They


    seemed to have a tacit agreement.


    An interviewer had asked Lucian about the date of his wedding with Shelly. He answered that it would


    be held that weekend. As a follow-up, the interviewer asked which celebrities were invited, but Lucian


    said that he wanted the ceremony to be simple, and that only the immediate families from both sides


    wereing.


    The questions kept pouring in¡ªmajority were nice, but some wanted to attract controversy. That was


    when a question about Amelia came up.


    "Mr. Lucian, your ex-wife Miss Mo is now a member of the An family. Will you invite her to your


    wedding?"


    Caught off-guard by the question, Lucian''s expression suddenly changed. Soon, however, he was able


    to gain hisposure back. He smiled cautiously and said, "Of course!"


    The interview continued and it became obvious that Lucian had a disdain for questions that involved


    her. The reporters quickly caught wind of it and used it to their advantage.


    The more questions he answered about her, the nastier he got. Soon, Lucian''s voice was ringing in her


    ears. ''Is it because I am sensitive when ites to him since I know everything about him?'' she


    thought, eyebrows furrowed.


    When lunchtime came, Jonny came over and brought many delicious dishes for her.


    Although she was in a bad mood, she didn''t have the heart to turn Jonny down. Recently, she had


    been having a big appetite and she was ready to eat everything that was served to her.


    "I''m a jobless but I''m still able to eat these kinds of food. I''m going to be a fatty soon if you don''t stop


    doing this," Amelia told Jonny in a joking manner as they ate together.


    "And so what? I think you look more beautiful with a little bit of weight on you," Jonny sweetly


    responded. Hearing such considerate answer made Amelia blush. She also felt that that gave her


    permission to eat more.


    Though embarrassed, she began to open the box containing a lobster. However, as soon as the aroma


    of the cooked seafood hit her nostrils, she began to feel dizzy and nauseous. Soon enough, she rushed


    to the bathroom in order to vomit.


    Concerned, Jonny quickly followed Amelia into the bathroom to check on what was going on. Amelia


    was retching violently over the sink, and all he could do was to massage her back in hopes of helping


    her.


    After a few minutes of vomiting, Amelia finally stopped. Despite feeling incredibly embarrassed, she


    turned to Jonny with a smile on her face and said, "I guess I just ate too much."


    Jonny, on the other hand, didn''t say a word. Instead, he quietly helped her back to the living room and


    poured a ss of water for her. When he was sure that she was okay, he gave her the news.


    "Amelia, Lucian and Shelly will have a banquet in the hotel tomorrow and she invited us two. Do you...


    want to attend that?" He knew that Lucian and Shelly were a sensitive topic for her, and so he


    approached it with much caution.


    Unfortunately, Amelia could never be ready for such a question. Her hand began trembling and she


    blinked more times than usual because of uneasiness. With a helpless look on her face, she asked


    Jonny, "I''m sorry, but do you think it would be a good idea if I attend that?"


    That moment, Jonny understood that her answer was no.


    He didn''t see any issues with it, but Amelia was not him. She still had feelings for Lucian.


    "Well, listen to your heart," Jonny responded. He had no ns on forcing anything on her.


    After a few minutes of silence, Amelia finally spoke, "Sure. Let''s go."


    She and Jonny had to maintain their rtionship for a certain period of time, at the very least.


    Otherwise, if anything wrong happened between them, Lucian and Shelly would be suspicious. Despite


    all her efforts of controlling herself and her emotions, everything seemed to be going out of control no


    matter what.


    "Amelia," Jonny started, concern on his face. "You know that you don''t have to care for anyone''s


    feelings except your own, right?" He knew that things had been hard for her, and he wanted to help her.


    Amelia smiled. "I know that. This is me caring about what I feel. I want to wish them well."


    Compared with what Jasper did to her, this time, she felt no regrets, no unwillingness or anger. Instead,


    she felt sorry for Lucian. After she said so many things that disappointed him, she knew he hated her.


    Because only two families were invited to attend the Lucian and Shelly''s banquet, Amelia dressed very


    casually. She wore a thin coat, a pair of jeans, and the white sneakers that she usually wore. Her hair


    was simply tied up in a tight bun on top of her head. Despite not dressing up, she looked beautiful and


    pure.


    What was more was that despite not putting on any kind of make-up, she looked as good as those


    women who had their whole face done. Her skin was as delicate as a baby''s, and her big eyes were as


    alive and expressive as the flowers blooming in the spring.

 Chapter 94 Two Hearts In Love

    Chapter 94 Two Hearts In Love


    It was a lovely night as Amelia and Jonny made their way to the banquet. Amelia was a little nervous,


    considering that the banquet would be held at the most luxurious hotel in the city. As soon as they


    stepped inside the building, they saw Edmund and his wife waiting for them at the lobby. Amelia, not


    wanting to make another scene, greeted them politely.


    Jonny''s mother, Emma Chen, gave a warm smile back and warmly weed them, "Jonny, Amelia.


    Wee."


    "Mom," Jonny muttered curtly and didn''t greet Edmund. He turned his head aside as if the man did not


    exist.


    "How rude of you not to greet me!" Edmund said to Amelia in a manner that could even freeze summer.


    With an embarrassed look on her face, Emma pulled Edmund''s sleeve. "Amelia is not familiar with us.


    Don''t be rude to her or she''ll be scared." She then turned to Amelia and apologized for Edmund''s


    behavior.


    "Can you stop being such a bummer?" Jonny couldn''t help but retort. He furrowed his eyebrows deeply.


    When his eyesnded on Edmund, Jonny was already eyeing him in disgust.


    "Fannie wasn''t satisfied with her before. I quite agree with her." After giving a cold nce at Amelia,


    Edmund decided to enter.


    Amelia''s heart was trembling. She was not afraid, but the scene already felt familiar to her. It was the


    first time she came to the Zhan mansion and faced the sarcastic remarks of Fannie. That woman could


    not seem to hold her tongue. And today, Edmund weed her in the same tone.


    "Amelia, Jonny''s father is not in a good mood. Don''t worry, I''m satisfied with you." In an attempt to


    salvage the situation, Emma gave it her best tofort Amelia who seemed to already be worn out


    from the exchange. The banquet had not even started yet.


    Looking at the gentle demeanor of Emma, Amelia felt less sad. She smiled, "It is alright."


    "Let''s head inside, shall we?" Emma''s smile warmed her heart.


    Amelia wasn''t expecting Lucian and his family to have arrived earlier. As soon as she and Jonny


    appeared, everyone''s eyes were on them. Although she was not sure that everyone''s eyes were


    looking at her, she faintly felt that sharp eyes were staring at her.


    As she made her way to the door, she saw that Fannie who was dressed elegantly, was looking at her


    with disdainful eyes. And Shelly was in a purple dress, whose hair was coiled up and her makeup was


    delicate. She was so beautiful that people couldn''t help but take a few more nces at her. However,


    the resentment in her eyes was really hard to ignore.


    Amelia didn''t want to see Lucian on purpose, but from the corner of her eyes, she could still feel his


    stare.


    An invisible attraction was making way through her, like a ma forcing her to look at his direction


    several times. But she forced herself to hold back.


    "Well, everyone is here. Please have the dishes served," Nichs jovially announced. It was easy to


    read that he was very happy.


    Amelia kept her head down. She didn''t know what to do in a situation like this. She rubbed her fingers


    along her nails in an attempt to distract herself. Anything that could calm her nerves. She didn''t know


    how to control the situation.


    As the dishes were being served, Fannie took this chance to get the table''s attention. "It''s a good day.


    You two have been engaged for so long. The day has finallye," she said with excitement visible in


    her eyes.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Although Amelia could not see the expression on Fannie''s face, she could tell how happy she was from


    her tone.


    "Yes, it''s not an easy day today!" Edmund echoed in a cheerful voice. "In addition, Jonny has been


    single for a long time, and now he''s going to marry. Anyway, it''s a happy asion."


    He had brought up two contrasting events at the same time. Judging from his words, there were mixed


    feelings of joy and sorrow.


    "To Jonny, Congrattions!" Fannie said, forcing a smile on her face.


    But it seemed that Jonny didn''t care about it at all. He just said, "Thank you."


    The atmosphere seemed to be lively, but it was embarrassing. Everyone seemed to be ufortable.


    "Before we have our dinner, I''d like to propose a toast to all of you. Thank you for your well wishes to


    me and Lucian." Shelly stood up and proposed a toast to everyone present.


    She didn''t know why Shelly became more mature and prudent after the woman and Zachary became


    together. If it was before, she would definitely follow her mother''s lead. And her words would be


    dripping with acid.


    Or she had to put the interests of the whole into consideration in an asion such as today.


    Amelia also raised her ss with a smile.


    "Drink this." All of a sudden, the ss in her hand was grabbed by Jonny and it was reced by a cup


    of tea.


    She was surprised, and then nced at the people around with embarrassment. At the same time, she


    also nced at Lucian. For a moment''s notice, she seemed to have been lost in her senses. Amelia


    followed Jonny anyway.


    "Oh, Jonny, I didn''t expect you to be so sweet. No matter how delicate your girlfriend is, she must have


    a drink at least today on such an asion." Looking at what had happened, it seemed that Fannie had


    found a chance to rebuke Amelia, so she became as mean as usual.


    "Auntie Fannie, as a woman, you should know that all women have menstrual period." His face was


    expressionless and his reply was so straightforward that even himself felt embarrassed.


    Amelia was surprised by Jonny''s words. She turned around and looked at Jonny, wondering why he


    made such an excuse.


    Moreover, Lucian knew that she could drink... Would Lucian think that she was pretending to be unable


    to drink?


    At the moment, what she only cared about was what Lucian would think of her.


    She loved the man so much that she already knew him so well. She knew she could guess what was


    running on his mind right now.


    "Brother, I always know that you are very sensitive. If you impose this sensitivity on your sister, I will


    wake up withughter even in the middle of my sleep," Shelly answered with a smile. When she said


    this, she was also considering Lucian''s expression.


    The reason why she said that, though, was that she hoped that Lucian''s hatred of Amelia would grow.


    After all, it was a little embarrassing to talk about her menstrual period in front of the dinner table.


    Besides, Amelia and Jonny were so close, which could make Lucian conclude that something was


    going on between the two of them.


    "Let''s eat," reminded Nichs in a gentle voice.


    "It''s good to love your beloved woman." As Lucian spoke, he stared at Amelia.


    The atmosphere suddenly became extremely cold. No one dared to make a sound. All of them followed


    Lucian and looked at Amelia, while only Shelly paid attention to the expression of Lucian.


    Looking up at Lucian''s cold eyes, Amelia forced a smile and raised her ss. "You are right, Mr.


    Lucian. Here''s a toast to you and Miss Shelly. May you be united forever, and have your own child."


    After saying that, she drank up the wine in the ss.


    "Amelia, don''t mention it. You are my brother''s girlfriend, so you are my future sister-inw," Shelly


    responded with a ss of wine in her hand.


    Lucian''s eyes on Amelia cut so deep and cold that she was shocked to the bone. She didn''t dare look


    at him again. His stares were as if she hadmitted an unforgivable sin.


    Yes, she felt guilty when he stared at her.


    This man could always make her heart beat faster and she was so nervous that she even forgot to


    breathe.


    The atmosphere was awkward during the dinner. Amelia was desperate to escape.


    The parents of Lucian and Shelly talked with each other happily. Shelly kept cing food into Lucian''s


    bowl and said "Darling" again and again.


    Amelia and Jonny became silent. Amelia almost didn''t touch the chopsticks on the table. If it wasn''t for


    Jonny who kept putting food in her bowl and then urged her to eat something, she really wouldn''t have


    had the thought of eating anything.


    A piece of fresh fish was put on her chopsticks. She couldn''t help but remember the days when Lucian


    was eating with her, her eyes became blurred.


    In order to cover her sorrow, she put the fish in her mouth. A disgusting feeling aroused, and she


    couldn''t help but want to throw up. In a hurry, she didn''t say anything. Instead, she covered her mouth


    with her hand and hurriedly left the table.


    Jonny didn''t immediately process the situation. Once Amelia rushed out of the door, Lucian was


    already following close behind her. Leaving Shelly calling for his name.


    The hotel was big enough, so she wasn''t able to reach thefort room in time. Squatting outside the


    door, she began to retch ufortably, feeling dizzy and weak.


    "Are you all right?" A familiar voice came from behind, and then a pair of hands picked her up from the


    ground.


    Tears slowly fell on her face because of the nausea of vomiting. And now because of the voice of


    Lucian, she became sadder.


    She tried to control her emotions and said vaguely that she was fine.


    At the same time, Jonny came over and asked with concern, "Are you all right, Amelia?"


    When she heard Jonny''s voice, she immediately stopped crying. She looked at Jonny with pleading


    eyes and said, "I want to go back and have a rest."


    She just left the table because of her nausea, which had already affected the mood of everyone


    present. If she went in again, perhaps everyone''s face would be unhappy.


    "Okay," Jonny agreed.


    Amelia looked at Lucian and said apologetically, "I''m sorry. I hope it won''t affect your mood."


    She was sincerely apologizing to Lucian, but her behavior made him feel that she was deliberately


    alienating him.


    "After you get rid of this meal, I hope you can be happy." These were the words that Lucian said to


    Amelia before he came in.


    Amelia stared at Lucian''s back and finally burst into tears.


    It made her want to cry for no reason. At first, she thought that Lucian would never care about her. But


    she didn''t expect that he could still understand her feelings because she didn''t like to be restrained.


    The dinner was a burden to her.


    But what he didn''t know was that with what he said, she would be reluctant to let go of him. She would


    not forget him.


    "Amelia, do you need me to take you to the hospital?" After a while, Amelia still kept staring at the door.


    But Jonny interrupted her. He was worried about her health.

 Chapter 95 The Surprise From The Heaven

    Chapter 95 The Surprise From The Heaven


    She came to her senses and smiled carelessly. "Don''t worry. I have a weak stomach. Maybe it''s


    because I have stomachache for several times a month."


    She remembered eating chili food a month ago, but that was just once. Ever since Lucian stopped her


    from eating spicy food back in SJ Garden, she rarely tried it. That was why her stomach hadn''t been


    troubling her until recently.


    "Then we should go to the hospital," Jonny insisted.


    Amelia refused and said stubbornly, "If people go to the hospital, they will be diagnosed as sick even


    though they are not sick. I''d better not go there."


    "Is that your excuse for neglecting the medical treatment? Let''s go." Jonny opened the door of the car


    and gestured Amelia to get on the passenger seat.


    It was true that she didn''t want to trouble anyone for some trivial issues. Although her stomach did


    create problems for her recently, even after having a perfect diet. The symptoms she had included


    nausea and vomiting. Usually, these issues used to ur due to gastritis, but this time was different.


    Amelia curiously looked at her stomach. If it wasn''t the inmmation in her stomach, then what else


    could it be?


    Her eyes opened wide when a thought crossed her mind. She had never taken precautions every time


    she made love with Lucian. Was she pregnant?


    Her heart thudded against her chest.


    "Fine, I won''t force you, but at least let me bring you some medicines, okay?" When Jonny failed to get


    a response from Amelia, he assumed that she didn''t want to go with him.


    Amelia stood in a daze for a long time. She wanted to see Courtney and tell her everything.


    "I don''t need medicines, Jonny. I want to see Courtney." She forced a smile on her face.


    Jonny gave her a worried nce and frowned. "Even if you don''t want to go to the hospital, just stay at


    home and rest!"


    "I''m fine. I know what I''m doing."


    Jonny didn''t insist anymore. He wanted to drive her to Courtney''s, but Amelia rejected his proposal.


    She took a taxi instead.


    Lucian used to take her to visit Courtney, but she didn''t know what else to do at present except for


    taking a taxi. It was not that she had sentimental feelings. She didn''t want Courtney gossiping about


    her and Jonny. Such a situation was deemed to make them upset.


    Amelia reached Courtney''s milk tea shop and found her busy serving guests. Just as Courtney was


    about to take another order, she noticed Amelia standing on the door. Curiosity increased in Courtney''s


    heart. "Didn''t you say you were going out for lunch? Why are you here?"


    Courtney looked behind her and narrowed her eyes. It looked like Amelia came alone.


    "Courtney, let me help you." Amelia avoided Courtney''s question and started serving the guests.


    Most of the customers were from the Zhan Group, and they recognized her at a nce. They even


    criticized her every time she turned her back to them.


    Amelia didn''t mind them and wore a smile on her face.


    "Amelia, you don''t have to do this. I''ll serve them." Courtney couldn''t bear to listen to thosements.


    She simply gestured Amelia to sit behind the counter. At least, Amelia wouldn''t hear those vile words


    from there and feel distressed again.


    "Okay." ''Maybe I can make some milk tea at the bar counter,'' Amelia wondered. She desperately


    wanted to busy herself in some work to get rid of troubling thoughts.


    The milk tea shop became quiet after serving everyone else.


    Courtney nced at Amelia for a while and sighed. Why would that girl pretend to be strong when she


    was anything but that? "Why are you so unlucky? Your ex married your step-sister, and the man you


    love married the sister of your gossiped boyfriend..."


    Sadness floated in Amelia''s eyes when she looked at Courtney. Amelia said in a small voice, "It''s my


    fate."


    "No, it''s not you. It''s An family''s fault!" Courtney couldn''t stand seeing her friend like this.


    Amelia ignored Courtney and jotted something about milk tea in her notebook.


    Courtney saw Amelia ignoring her and decided to ask another question. "Amelia, will you continue to


    act like that with Jonny?"


    Amelia put down her notebook and frowned. For a second, a hint of worry shed across her eyes.


    "The Zhan Group is not in trouble anymore. And if I tell Lucian that I divorced for his and thepany''s


    sake, everything would be ruined."


    "You did something good without telling a single soul about it." Courtney was speechless at first, and


    then she scoffed. "It''s hard to find a selfless woman like you."


    Amelia''s lips stretched to form a faint smile. She didn''t think she was a good person, but there was no


    way out.


    They were hurt, and her truth would only make it worse.


    "Amelia, let''s be honest. Lucian wouldn''t have abandoned you even if Zhan Group had gone bankrupt."


    Although Courtney didn''t know him too well, she could tell he cared for Amelia.


    Amelia''s face dimmed with sorrow. Even though she was sad, she had to pretend to be calm.


    "Courtney, I... There''s something I want to tell you¡­" Amelia stuttered, remembering why she came to


    see Courtney.


    "Don''t hesitate, you can share anything with me," Courtney replied briskly.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Both Courtney and Amelia used to be so weak that they needed to rely on men for everything. Now


    they were strong enough to protect themselves.


    Amelia felt warm in her heart after hearing that. "Courtney, I''ve been vomitingtely..."


    "What did you say?" Courtney''s voice came out loud as a screaming child. "You missed your periods?


    Did Lucian use condoms?"


    Amelia shook her head and smiled awkwardly. She hadn''t thought about it at that time.


    "Oh my God! Amelia, how can you be pregnant? You''ll be in so much trouble!" Courtney shot Amelia a


    worried nce. "Lucian is the child''s father, but now he''s married to Shelly. If you..."


    "It''s not confirmed, Courtney." Amelia was scared, but her thoughts weren''t as dramatic as Courtney''s.


    "Okay, how about this? You stay with me tonight, and I will take you to the hospital first thing in the


    morning." How could Courtney be unaware of Amelia''s depressed heart? Courtney knew just the thing


    that could cheer her friend up.


    Amelia hesitated before nodding in agreement.


    Just when she thought they weren''t going to continue this topic, Courtney jumped on her seat as if she


    had realized something. "I''m so silly! We can take the pregnancy test right here. Let me head over to


    the pharmacy." Courtney rushed out as soon as she finished talking.


    Amelia stood in a daze while she waited for Courtney. Her heart was anxious, thinking of all the


    possibilities after having the pregnancy test. Just as she was about to call Courtney, she received a


    message from Jonny. He wanted to take her back to the An family''s ce at night.


    Amelia''s palms started sweating after receiving that message. What would she tell him?


    Courtney entered the shop with the pregnancy test paper and cursed, "Damn it! Why would people


    stare weirdly at a 25-year-old girl like me just because I''m getting a pregnancy test kit?"


    Amelia smiled at her friend''s attempt to lighten up the mood and took the pregnancy test. She


    narrowed her eyes at the thing in her hand, having no idea how to use it. She had to lower her ego and


    ask Courtney about it, heading inside the bathroom a minuteter.


    "Amelia, are you alright?" Courtney was impatient as always, and it had been more than a few minutes.


    It wasn''t like Amelia didn''t want toe out. She just stared at the result in a daze with moistened


    eyes. There were two red lines on the paper that confirmed her suspicion.


    Her hands trembled in anxiety and helplessness. Tears came pouring down her cheeks.


    Why was God mocking her like this? The timing of this gift was so wrong that she almost wanted to


    kneel and cry her heart out. It was going to bring disaster in her life, but she couldn''t bear to give it up.


    "Amelia, please don''t be a coward. No matter what happens, I will always be with you!" Courtney''s limit


    of suppressing her patience ended, and she kicked the door open out of anxiety.


    Amelia wasn''t a coward, but she didn''t know how to feel about this gift.


    Just as Courtney opened the door, Amelia broke down and sobbed.


    "Don''t cry. We will find a solution." Courtney hugged her and stroked her head.


    After what it felt like hours, Amelia calmed down. "Courtney, I''ll have to raise him alone, won''t I? I don''t


    want to be cruel enough to abandon my child just because I''m not with Lucian."


    These were her darkest thoughts. She didn''t mind being a single mother. Even though her pregnancy


    felt like the biggest joke in her situation, her child would also be her source offort.


    "Should we tell Lucian about this?" Courtney was bewildered about this situation too.


    "No!" Amelia didn''t want to tell Lucian at all. She didn''t even want to imagine how his expressions


    would be after finding it out. She swallowed and looked at Courtney. "The Zhan Group isn''t facing a


    crisis, but if I tell Lucian about this, don''t you know what he would do? He would go back on his words.


    I don''t want him to be that kind of person because of me."


    She had said something unforgivable to Lucian back then, and their rtionship was filled with cracks.


    Telling him about the child would only mean that Amelia was trying her best to snatch Lucian from


    Shelly.


    "Then, what should we do? Don''t tell me you really want to be a single mom?" Courtney looked at her


    in disbelief.


    Amelia didn''t think it was a problem. She smiled and said, "This child will be my only motivation to


    survive in this world. How could I abandon it?"


    "Amelia, are you crazy?" Courtney''s eyes were wide open in shock. She had thought of every possible


    way to help Amelia, but none of them involved bing a single mother.


    Amelia shook her head. "I''ll try my best to keep my child safe and happy without its father." Amelia was


    resolute in her decision. Even if she was inexperienced, she believed that as long as she paid attention


    to her child, everything would be fine.


    "Amelia, please just think it over. You can still abort your child in the early stages."


    "I know you better than that. You''d never talk about killing an innocent child unless you''re afraid that we


    would suffer. Your attempts to persuade me are useless." Amelia knew Courtney too well. She would


    never think of abortion.


    Courtney''s lips formed a faint smile, and excitement glinted in her eyes. "Fine! If you want this child, let


    me help you. Although my business isn''t huge, I''m earning just fine. I can still get milk powder and


    clothes for my little nephew or niece!" Her smile stretched to form a big grin. She reached out to touch


    Amelia''s t belly, and said in surprise, "Is it a boy or a girl? What do you think?"

 Chapter 96 Still Loving Him

    Chapter 96 Still Loving Him


    Amelia gently patted Courtney''s hand. Smiling, she said, "It''s hard to say."


    Courtney looked at Amelia and with all seriousness said, "I''ll take you to the hospital tomorrow for your


    blood test. We''ll have a doctor confirm the result. We also need to know about the precautions you


    have to take. Oh, look at you. You''re so thin! If you don''t take care of your health, I worry you might


    miscarry."


    Amelia appreciated Courtney''s thoughtfulness and nodded in agreement. But just then, she


    remembered the message Jonny sent her. With a frown on her face, Amelia said, "I have to go to the


    An''s tonight. Johnny''s parents want to see me. I don''t know what to expect."


    Hearing Jonny''s name, a thought urred to Courtney. "Are you nning on telling Jonny about it?"


    "If I''m to keep a rtionship with him, he''s bound to notice." Things were beginning to look even more


    complicated for Amelia.


    "I can''t say I know Jonny well, but he''s been helping you all this time. It would be nice if he could act as


    the father of your baby." Courtney looked hopeful. Smiling, she held a hand to touch Amelia''s cheek. "If


    Jonny doesn''t mind that Lucian is the father, you can be a happy family. Your lives will be secured."


    "Courtney, Jonny will definitely want to raise his own son. And he''s been so good to me, I don''t want to


    cheat him on anything." Amelia didn''t want to take things lightly, especially considering that there were


    reputations on the line. She also didn''t wish to get too involved with the An family as Lucian was going


    to be their son-inw soon enough. They didn''t meet often, but there would be no avoiding of them on


    special days. She would have to attend as Jonny''s girlfriend.


    "How could that be cheating? Look. I think Jonny likes you. Surely, there can''t be a truly tonic


    rtionship between men and women. You''re the only who thinks that he''s being kind out of mere


    friendship," Courtney pointed out.


    Amelia had never told Courtney about what happened when she and Jonny were in middle school.


    Courtney had no idea that Amelia had known him for years. Amelia couldn''t me Courtney for


    thinking that Jonny had an ulterior motive.


    Jonny made Amelia promise not to tell anyone about their past, so she kept her silence on the matter.


    It was dusk when Amelia received a call from Jonny. He was driving to pick her up so she told him her


    address.


    "Jonny, I''m Amelia''s best friend and I''m warning you. If you or any of your family hurts her, I will look for


    you and beat you up!" Courtney said as she saw Amelia to the car. She red at Jonny and shook her


    fist in jest.


    Amelia''s face went red with embarrassment. She quickly turned to Courtney and said, "You left the


    door open. Go ahead and clean up so you can go home."


    Courtney waved goodbye as their car drove off. Amelia felt warmed by Courtney''s protective gesture


    and smiled to herself. She turned to look at Jonny and apologized, "Please ignore Courtney. She''s


    always joking around."


    "It''s nothing. It''s great to have such a good friend who looks after you," Jonny replied with a soft smile.


    "My father is away for the night so it''s just going to be us and my mother at dinner. She said she invited


    you because she wanted to cook for you."


    Amelia looked at Jonny nkly. She was spacing out because her thoughts kept returning to Lucian.


    Amelia always felt nervous visiting the Zhan family, but Lucian would always calm and reassure her like


    Jonny did. But... As much as she wanted to feel at ease, Jonny''s words didn''t have an effect on her.


    She only felt guilty for missing Lucian more.


    Amelia ced her hands on her abdomen. Thinking of giving birth to Lucian''s child offered her some


    comfort.


    Amelia was so absorbed in her thoughts that she missed the expression in Jonny''s eyes as he looked


    at her.


    It was Amelia''s first time to see the An mansion. Although she was not expecting a humble abode, she


    found that she wasn''t prepared for its grandeur. The estate looked like a pce. A huge fountain


    gushing in the middle of the garden caught her attention as they pulled up the driveway. Walking up to


    the house, they passed a sprawlingwn which smelled of freshly cut grass.


    The grounds were sparkling with brightly coloredmps. Amelia''s heart thumped loudly; she felt out of


    ce in the vi.


    It was different from when she first set foot in the Zhan mansion. At the time, she felt nervous for fear of


    losing Lucian if she gave off the wrong impression. She felt nervous going into the An mansion


    because she knew in her heart that she didn''t want to be there at all.


    Entering the luxuriously furnished hall, they were weed by Emma. She was wearing an elegant


    dress that shimmered under the chandelier. Seeing them, she smiled gracefully and greeted, "I hope


    you two are hungry. Dinner''s ready."


    Surprised by her warm wee, Amelia found herself speechless. She merely allowed Emma to take


    her hand and walk her into the huge dining room.


    She wondered why Emma felt gentle and kind despite having only met her that night.


    Seeing the foodvishly spread on the table, Amelia forgot her feelings of nervousness and realized


    just how hungry she was.


    "I cooked all of this for you, Amelia. I hope you like them. Please try some," Emma said. She turned to


    her son and added, "Jonny, what are you waiting for? Serve Amelia some of the pasta."


    Amelia''s face went scarlet. Before she could make a polite reply, Jonny was already spooning food into


    her te.


    Emma smiled with satisfaction as Amelia reached for the cutlery and started eating.


    "Auntie, these are delicious. You cook so well!" Amelia had no intention of ttering. She sincerely


    meant herpliments.


    Amelia preferred spicy food and was a bit dejected when she saw that the dishes didn''t have pepper.


    She thought she had no appetite, but she couldn''t stop eating once she''d tasted the food.


    "Really? Oh, I''m d you like it. Please have some more," Emma replied happily. She gave Jonny a


    wink, suggesting that he should offer Amelia more food.


    Amelia''s te was soon a pile of delicious treats. Her pregnancy gave her an unusually increased


    appetite. She was literally eating for two.


    After dinner, Amelia was helping with the dishes when a voice broke through the peace.


    "Mom, why didn''t you tell me we were having a guest?" It was Shelly who came unannounced and


    carelessly tossed her bag onto the sofa. Her face contorted into loathing and disgust as soon as she


    saw Amelia.


    "Shelly, you were staying at the Zhan''s, right?" Why are you here? Have you had dinner?" Emma


    walked up to her daughter and asked out of genuine concern.


    Emma''s questions only seemed to annoy Shelly more. She curtly replied, "Lucian has been staying at


    SJ Garden. I don''t like there so I came back."


    Amelia thought there was a hint of sorrow in her words.


    Seeing and hearing Shelly made Amelia''s hands tremble, causing her to drop a small bowl. It broke


    into pieces at her feet.


    Embarrassed, Amelia stooped down to pick up the shards. Jonny rushed to her side and said, "I''ll do it.


    Please have a seat in the living room and make yourselffortable." Amelia obeyed and went


    straight into the living room, trying to avoid Shelly.


    The broken china on the floor made Amelia remember how Lucian once broke a bowl when he tried


    cleaning the dishes. Tears welled up in her eyes and her heart ached at the memory.


    She thought that Shelly''s mention of SJ Garden where she and Lucian used to live together may have


    caused her to panic and lose control.


    Enraged, Shelly followed Amelia.


    "Was it because you heard me mention Lucian''s name, Amelia? Do you still have feelings for him?"


    Shelly glowered at Amelia as if thetter had done somethingpletely unforgivable.


    Jonny rushed to stand in between Amelia and Shelly. Facing his sister, he said coldly, "Stop acting like


    a brat, Shelly. Amelia didn''t do anything to you."


    Jonny''s defense of Amelia only made Shelly more furious. She reached out to shove Jonny. "Get out of


    the way!


    "Look at you, Amelia! First you went after Lucian, and now you''re going for my brother. What makes


    you think you''re fit to be his girlfriend?" She mockingly looked at Amelia from head to foot.


    Emma made a motion to pull her daughter away out of embarrassment. "Amelia is here as An family''s


    guest. Stop embarrassing us!"


    Shelly was infuriated. She shouted, "Who am I embarrassing? As far as I know, Jonny doesn''t want


    anything to do with the family or the family business. Why should I care about what he thinks?"


    Emma''s face went from embarrassed to crestfallen.


    "Shelly, if you continue to act like a spoiled little kid, even Lucian would eventually tire of you!" Jonny


    said loudly but firmly. He then took Amelia''s hand and went up to his mother, "Thank you for the meal,


    Mom. Amelia and I will be leaving now. You''ll find us at the vi south of the city if you need us."


    "Jonny..." Emma could barely convince them to stay before Jonny dragged Amelia away and left.


    Jonny was trying to control his temper, but his rage showed in how quickly he walked. Amelia had to


    sprint to keep up.


    The estate was so vast that Amelia was out of breath by the time they reached the gates.


    "I''m sorry, Amelia. I acted too rashly just now," Jonny apologized when he saw Amelia panting.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Amelia waved a hand, dismissing his apology. "You didn''t tell me we were leaving so soon. I didn''t get


    the chance to properly thank your mother."


    "Don''t worry. She won''t mind," Jonny smiled reassuringly. He opened the car door for Amelia and saw


    her in before taking his ce at the driver''s seat. Before starting the car, Jonny threw a lingering look at


    the mansion. Coldly, he said, "I won''t being back here again."


    "What?" Amelia eximed. She didn''t understand how Jonny could say those words. She wondered if


    it had anything to do with his conflict with Edmund.


    "You saw what happened just now. Someone clearly doesn''t want me here," Jonny snorted.


    Amelia understood. Reaching out a hand to Jonny''s shoulder, she said, "Shelly was just in a bad mood.


    She has nothing against you."


    "No. She''s always hated me. She deliberately attacked you to make me angry," Jonny pointed out.


    "Oh, stop it. She''s your sister. Anyway, An mansion is so huge and yet I didn''t see a single maid. Why


    is that?" Amelia tried desperately to change the topic as they drove off.

 Chapter 97 Keep It Together, Amelia!

    Chapter 97 Keep It Together, Amelia!


    "My mother is the only one who lives here. She doesn''t want to hire any servants because she''s such a


    frugal woman," Jonny answered, his voice a bit sad as he felt sorry for his mother.


    Hearing this, Amelia got even more confused. But she did not want to pry any further in regards to


    Jonny''s family affairs. "Your mother seems nice," Amelia said, "She''s gentle and approachable. Plus,


    she looks like she''s able to keep the ce nice and tidy even if she does the cleaning all by herself."


    "Aren''t you sweet... My mother would definitely give you a lot of New Year''s money when she hears


    that," Jonny teased, a smile finally appearing on his face.


    "Well, our rtionship wille to an end someday anyway..." Although not a lot of people knew about


    her pregnancy, Amelia knew the news was going toe out sooner orter. She did not want to give


    Jonny any trouble nor did she want to continue living like this. Right now, it was important for her to find


    a job so that she could support herself and her unborn child.


    When Jonny heard this, he abruptly mmed hard on the brakes, causing Amelia to lurch forward.


    Luckily, she had her seat belt on. If she didn''t, she would have definitely gone through the windshield.


    "Am I really not worthy of your trust, Amelia?" The smile on Jonny''s face had disappeared. Angry veins


    surfaced on his hands as he tightly gripped on the steering wheel.


    "Jonny, don''t get me wrong. I just... I just want to live on my own. And you know why I divorced Lucian


    at that time, so I..." Amelia stammered before biting nervously on her lips. She felt that the more she


    exined, the more likely she would be misunderstood.


    "I know you love Lucian. But everything can''t go back, right?" Jonny said, gritting his teeth. It was the


    first time Amelia had seen Jonny like this. Even his voice sounded so strange to her.


    Ever since she got to know Jonny, he had always been so warm and sunny. There was rarely any


    sadness in his eyes.


    "Remember when you kept encouraging me to do my best when we were in middle school?" Amelia


    said softly, "I''m an adult now, Jonny. I have to handle things myself no matter what the circumstance."


    Amelia mentioned what she and Jonny shared in an attempt to ease the negative atmosphere.


    There was a light flicker in Jonny''s eyes. "Yes, those were really some good times," he said in a


    mncholic tone, a slight smile on his lips.


    "Good times?" Amelia raised her eyebrow at Jonny. It was the hardest time for Amelia. If Jonny hadn''t


    been there to keep pushing her, she might have been at a point of no return ¡ª in an endless pit of


    sadness that she will never be able to escape from.


    "Oh, nothing. I just miss it..." Jonny replied hurriedly. They continued along the road in silence.


    In no time, they reached Amelia''s ce. Amelia got out of the car and was about to walk away, when


    Jonny rolled down his window and called after her. "Amelia! Even though you''re an adult now, you still


    need someone to look after you. Don''t worry. I have no hidden intentions."


    After listening to Jonny''s words, Amelia suddenly felt guilty. She was remorseful and wondered if she


    should tell Jonny about the pregnancy. ''But on second thought, if I told Jonny who after all is Shelly''s


    brother, would he be able to handle it well?'' Amelia thought. Amelia couldn''t bring it upon herself to tell


    this to Jonny just because of those touching words he said to her just now.


    "I understand. Thank you, Jonny." She nodded and waved goodbye to Jonny. Then she turned around


    and walked into the vi.


    The next day... As she had made an appointment with Courtney at the hospital, Amelia waited at the


    bus stop early in the morning. Just when she was about to get on the bus, someone grabbed her hand.


    Turning around, she was about to pull away when she finally saw who had stopped her from getting on.


    For a few seconds, Amelia''s head totally went nk.


    "So," Lucian said coldly after a moment of silence, "Why is the future Ms. Amelia up so early?"


    It was Monday today. Judging from the suit he was wearing, it looked like Lucian was just about to


    head off to work. But right now, he was at a ce that was in the opposite direction of thepany.


    Why did hee here?


    Blinking, Amelia just looked at him, a blizzard of emotions going through her.


    Tears were starting to form in her eyes. Her heart ached terribly, but she did all she should to keep as


    calm as possible.


    "Good morning, Mr. Lucian," Amelia ignored his sarcastic tone and said with a faint smile. "If there''s


    nothing else, I really should go now." The way she greeted him was as if he was like an old friend.


    When Amelia tried to pull her hand away, he held onto her even tighter.


    "You just signed our divorce papers. Don''t you feel even a little bit guilty?" he sneered, his voice low


    and cold.


    As Amelia stared at Lucian, she couldn''t help but feel that the man in front of her looked so familiar and


    yet so strange.


    At that moment, a soft breeze blew, and she caught a whiff of his scent that she hade to love so


    much. Not being able to stand it any longer, Amelia burst into tears.


    Amelia did not know whether it was because of his harsh words or simply because the word ''divorce''


    really hurt her, but she just couldn''t stand the swelling pain in her heart any longer.


    "It seems as if you still have feelings for me," Lucian tly said as he reached up and pinched Amelia''s


    chin. There was no emotion in his voice. His eyes, however, were filled with heartache.


    Amelia moved her head away. "Why are you mocking me now that we''re both have a new


    rtionship?" she sneered coldly.


    "Mocking?" Lucian retorted with a sneer of his own. Looking around, he saw that there were a couple of


    bystanders watching them curiously. "If it''s not too much trouble, get in the car with me and let''s talk,"


    he said through his teeth in a hushed voice.


    Amelia knew that their love entanglement was quite the sensational news in the city. If reporters saw


    them on the street like this, tomorrow''s headlines would definitely be filled with exaggerated


    statements... especially since Lucian was now married to Shelly.


    "Actually, it is too much trouble, Mr. Lucian. My friend is waiting for me. I''m sorry." As it happened,


    Amelia received a call from Courtney. Holding up her phone, she showed the screen to Lucian.


    "Courtney and I are also old friends. It''s been a while since Ist saw her," Lucian countered. "Let me


    drive you to wherever you''re nning to meet her. I''d like to say hi."


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    ''Damn it! He just won''t quit, will he?'' Amelia scolded herself as she pocketed her phone.


    "Thanks but I''d prefer riding the bus," she insisted.


    "You''ve already wasted five minutes of my time," Lucian stated, "If you don''t want me to bete for my


    meeting, you would just get in the car with me."


    "You...!" Amelia eximed, at a lost for any other words. It was no surprise to her that Lucian would


    always find a way to get what he wanted.


    "There are also so many people watching us. It''s not good for either of us," Lucian added, unwilling to


    give up.


    The coldness in his eyes made Amelia remember thest time the two of them fought.


    With her heart sinking in her chest, she sighed and walked towards Lucian''s car.


    When she got into the car, Lucian fastened her seat belt for her like he normally did. She was about to


    tell him that she could do it on her own, but he had already done it for her. Lucian''s face hovered a few


    inches away from Amelia''s for a few seconds, making her heart beat wildly.


    It was only a short distance to Courtney''s milk tea shop, but the drive was longer than it was supposed


    to be because Lucian was driving so slowly. Neither one of them spoke. There was such a heavy


    atmosphere between them.


    The entire time, both of them felt like they were supposed to say something.


    They reached Courtney''s shop without uttering a word to each other. When Amelia opened the car


    door, Lucian turned to her. "Take care of your stomach," he said.


    After that, he drove away.


    For a while, Amelia stood at the side of the street, watching Lucian''s car disappear into a corner. Tears


    were steadily streaming down her face.


    Back then, Lucian had said so many warm and loving things to her. Now, there was nothing but


    coldness and distance.


    Yesterday, he had seen Amelia throw up from nausea. Since he didn''t know that Amelia was actually


    pregnant, he thought it was just caused by some stomach problems.


    Amelia bit her lower lip and wiped her tears. She looked up at the blue sky and exhaled deeply. ''Keep it


    together, Amelia!'' she cheered herself on quietly.


    "Amelia! Why weren''t you answering my calls?" As soon as she arrived at the door of the shop,


    Courtney noticed her and asked worriedly, "What happened?"


    Hearing this, Amelia came to her senses and forced a smile. "It''s nothing. Let''s go?"


    "Come on. Hurry up. Don''t let me keep you hungry." After closing the shop door, Courtney walked


    towards the bus stop, hand in hand with Amelia.


    Amelia hadn''t eaten anything in the morning because she needed to get a blood test. During the whole


    bus ride, she felt incredibly dizzy. But, since she didn''t want to make Courtney worried about her, she


    endured the sickness and tried to keep a straight face.


    Luckily, the hospital was only two or three stops away, and they were there in no time at all.


    After the two women walked into the hospital, an expensive, luxury car parked close by.


    A man with ck sunsses was behind the wheel, and he was watching Amelia very carefully. He


    dialed a number on his phone and put it against his ear. "Hey," he said through the phone in a cold


    voice, "Help me check Amelia''s examination results."


    "Courtney, have you made an appointment with the doctor?" There were still many pregnant women


    waiting to be checked in the waiting area. Amelia was surprised that the nurses received them as soon


    as they arrived.


    "Now I really don''t care about it at all but the Lin family is rich," Courtney shrugged, "We get top priority


    because of it. Let''s just be thankful that we don''t have to wait in line for a long time."


    As it turned out, it seemed as if Courtney''s parents had helped them.


    "Courtney, have you told your parents about this?" Amelia was a little uneasy. As much as possible,


    she wanted a few people as possible to know about her pregnancy.


    "Don''t worry. My mom made an appointment for me. Besides, the doctor is not only for gynecology. So,


    don''t worry."


    "What if your mother asks about the result?" Amelia asked, crossing her arms over her chest.


    "Just rx, Amelia! No one else will know that you''re pregnant. I swear on my grave," Courtney swore,


    marking a cross on her chest with her finger.


    "Shhh! Don''t say that word out loud!" Amelia hushed, covering Courtney''s mouth. With a sigh, Amelia


    stepped back and shook her head. "You know I trust you. I just don''t want to tell anyone about it just


    yet. I don''t think I can handle all the stress. It won''t be good for... you know."


    With a nod, Courtney patted Amelia''s shoulder in understanding. "Don''t be afraid, okay? I''m here with


    you. I''ll help you. You don''t have to do this alone."


    "Okay. Thanks, Courtney." Taking a deep breath, Amelia went into one of the examination rooms.


    The results came out quickly. A middle-aged woman doctor came to examine her. She took off her


    sses, examined her carefully, and gently asked, "Excuse me ma''am, but are you married?"


    "Why does it matter whether I''m married or not?" Amelia asked, frowning deeply. "Yeah," Courtney


    chimed in, "Nowadays, there are a lot of unmarried women who get pregnant!"

 Chapter 98 Taking Me As The Father

    Chapter 98 Taking Me As The Father


    "Uhh, yes but..." Amelia answered. She told the truth but the fact that she was recently divorced made


    it hard for her to speak.


    The doctor noticed that Amelia was having a hard time answering her question and said, "I''m sorry, I


    didn''t mean to offend you. It was just an honest question." The middle-aged female doctor wore her


    reading sses and looked at the results shown in the report. She then excitedly said,


    "Congrattions! You''re pregnant."


    Upon hearing those words, Amelia was overwhelmed with so much emotion. She felt uneasy not


    having Lucian around but at the same time, she felt happy to have his child inside her.


    The doctor informed her of somemon knowledge about pregnancy, so Amelia listened carefully.


    "Actually, we already know her pregnancy, we just wanted to confirm it with a professional," Courtney


    said. Courtney then whispered to Amelia, "The doctors in this private hospital like to gossip about their


    patients. Now that we know the diagnosis, we should go."


    Realizing how embarrassing it would be for her if news about pregnancy were to spread, she nodded


    towards Courtney and stood up.


    "I can''t give you any more advice that would be useful at the moment. I need to review what I know


    about pregnancy. I need to be careful using the words miscarriage and abortion since there is clearly a


    difference between the two. Damn it!'' Courtney regretfully eximed. She then continued in a more


    solemn tone, "How could I say that you should give up your child yesterday? Your child should be our


    motivation for the future! We have to love him or her with all our hearts."


    Hearing Courtney''s passionate words towards her unborn child made Amelia smile. They continued on


    to Courtney''s milk tea shop and when they arrived and sat down, Amelia continued thinking about what


    to do to ease the troubles that filled her heart.


    Courtney randomly asked, "Are you thinking about how to tell Jonny? Have you even figured out how


    to tell him?"


    "I tried to tell himst night, but he suddenly said out of the blue that whatever the problem I''m facing,


    he will do his best to help me. I think he has an idea about my pregnancy already," Amelia replied.


    Amelia wondered if her worried face or constant thinking might have given it away. She felt that Jonny


    always had an idea of what she was feeling or thinking of.


    Courtney took a sip of water and after analyzing their situation, she said, "We can''t hide your


    pregnancy. As time goes on, it will be more obvious. Besides, I think if Jonny was the one to tell


    everyone, it won''t do his reputation any good."


    Amelia shook her head in disagreement and firmly said, "Even if I tell him, he won''t tell anyone."


    "Then what are you so worried about? Go tell him! You can''t hide it forever," Courtney replied. Courtney


    had no idea as to why Amelia seemed so reluctant to tell Jonny.


    Amelia''s heart was full of hesitation and was left with nothing to say to her friend.


    She hadn''t seen Jonny for several days. He was quite busy this week. Amelia would only receive


    messages from himte at night.


    The next morning, Amelia woke up early, cleaned her room, made herself some breakfast, and read a


    book about pregnancy. It was a routine she did daily.


    If every day was simr to this day, Amelia would surely feel bored and lonely. But ever since she''d had


    a baby in her belly, these kinds of mncholic thoughts didn''t seem to matter to her.


    Amelia finished her book before noon and decided to eat. Right after she finished her lunch, the


    doorbell rang. She thought It might have been Jonny so she went to the door without much thought.


    But when she opened it and saw Shelly in front of her, she was so surprised she was left speechless.


    "What? Why don''t you wee me in?". Shelly said with a smirk on her face and then walked past


    Amelia.


    Hearing her words, Amelia regained herposure. She softly smiled at her and said, "Please sit


    down and make yourselffortable. I''ll get you a ss of water."


    Shellyughed in a seemingly mocking manner then said, "This situation seems familiar. It reminds me


    of the time when I arrived at the SJ Garden." Shelly continued to wear a smug expression on her face


    and paid attention to Amelia''s reaction, hoping to see some sort of sorrowful response.


    Lucian and the SJ Garden were indeed some unforgettable parts of her memory, so Amelia was bound


    to have some sort of reaction. However, she avoided Shelly''s taunting by solely focusing on the ss


    she held in her hand. She held it ever so tightly and focused on applying just enough pressure so it


    wouldn''t fall.


    "This is your home. Don''t just stand there. Sit down with me," Shelly arrogantly said as she gestured


    with her chin at Amelia.


    As Amelia sat down, she looked at Shelly''s face with keen eyes and realized that she didn''t wear as


    much makeup as before. It made her look pristine and more approachable now.


    Shelly took a sip of her water and smiled at Amelia then said, "Rx, I didn''te here to argue with


    you. I''m only here to ask you a few questions." She seemed genuine with her request. The feeling of


    animosity between them seemed to be gone.


    "Questions?" Amelia vaguely replied. She didn''t understand why Shelly was smiling at her. After all,


    she''d been so arrogant to her in the past.


    "To be honest with you, after I married Lucian, he has never touched me once. Even my hand, let alone


    sleeping in the same bed with me," Shelly said, with noticeable sadness in her face. Then she turned to


    look at Amelia and said, "He was forced to marry me. You''re the one that he truly loves. He doesn''t


    have any affection for me. I''m extremely jealous of you."


    Amelia was shaken by Shelly''s words. She felt a wave of different emotions inside her heart. She


    sped her hands tightly together and tried to calm herself down.


    She then said, "Miss Shelly, I believe that in time, you and Lucian will learn to fall in love with each


    other." Amelia didn''t have a concrete solution to Shelly''s dilemma. That''s why the only thing she could


    do for her right now was to be optimistic for her.


    "Well, how are things between you and Jonny?" Shelly immediately asked. Just to change the course


    of their conversation after she realized how awkward it must be.


    Amelia panicked and paused to think for a while before she answered, "Don''t worry, I won''t disturb you


    or Mr. Lucian."


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    "I know you''re a very noble woman Amelia, that''s why I came here to tell you how I felt. I don''t want to


    force you to do anything. I just hope that you can keep your distance from Lucian." The smile on


    Shelly''s face suddenly faded. She stared at Amelia seemingly full of hostility as if she was testing her.


    "Miss Shelly, Lucian is a stubborn man. But he cares for the needs of his partner as long as you don''t


    force him to do anything. As long as you are patient and always try to understand how he is, you will


    get along just fine." This was the only way Amelia could find out if she really wanted to help.


    Sometimes, Amelia believed that Lucian was warming up to her. And sometimes, it would feel as if he


    was so distant even if they lived in the same house. Somehow, she knew that it was always her who


    was giving more even if she wasn''t getting anything in return.


    "It seems that you really know him well," Shelly said in an envious tone while nodding.


    Amelia worried that Shelly misunderstood her words, so she wanted to immediately rify herself.


    "Miss Shelly, I didn''t mean anything with that. Please don''t overthink too much."


    "Miss Shelly? Shouldn''t it be Mrs. Shelly?" Shelly retorted with a sharp look on her face.


    Amelia was caught off guard and quickly corrected herself, "I''m sorry, Mrs. Shelly."


    Even though Amelia felt a subtle sadness in her heart, she still continued to smile as a sign of


    politeness.


    "Good!" Shelly eximed as she smiled so proudly. Before leaving, she intentionally said, "I hope you


    can be Mrs. Amelia as soon as possible."


    Stunned in the middle of the living room, Amelia had felt as if all the oxygen was knocked out of her


    body. She continued to gasp for air. It took her a long while to calm down.


    She knew that she had to be strong, but she just couldn''t help but feel dejected.


    As time went by, It was finally dinner. Jonny came home to the vi and bought a lot of food for dinner.


    He also bought a lot of ingredients. He greeted Amelia with a smile and said, "Your skills as a cook are


    on par with chefs who run restaurants. Why don''t you cook more?"


    Amelia''s mood lifted after hearing Jonny''s words and replied with a smile on her face, "You''re right


    about that." After storing the ingredients in the fridge, Amelia asked, "How''s your work going? Have you


    been busy recently?"


    Jonny''s grip on his teacup loosened after hearing Amelia''s words. He smiled at her and teasingly said,


    "If you ask me these kinds of questions, I''ll probably assume that you missed me."


    Although it was obviously a joke between the two of them, blush appeared on Amelia''s cheeks. She


    pretended to remain calm and teased him back, "Yes, because you always bring delicious food with


    you."


    Jonny felt amused by their banter. He looked at her and continued to tease her. "For someone who


    always looks for food, aren''t you a bit too thin?"


    Amelia enthusiastically nodded her head and replied, "I''m thin but I''m strong!"


    All of a sudden, the smile on Jonny''s face disappeared. He caught a glimpse of the cover of the book


    on the table. It was a smiling pregnant woman.


    The sudden silence caught Amelia''s attention. When she saw the book about pregnancy that she


    forgot to hide, she flustered and panicked. She hurriedly took the book and tried to make an excuse as


    to why she had it. "Oh, that thing? I picked it up off the ground on the way here. It''s still brand new and I


    thought it would be a waste to throw away."


    Amelia wasn''t the most experienced person when it came to telling lies nor making stuff up. Her


    expression made it quite apparent that she was hiding something.


    Jonny stared at the book for quite some time. He then looked into Amelia''s eyes and asked gently, "Am


    I not deserving of your trust?"


    Amelia turned to look at Johnny with so much confusion in her face. She then said, "It''s not about trust,


    it''s about..."


    "Then why don''t you tell me the truth?" Jonny kept staring at Amelia and seemed to have figured out


    something.


    Amelia was flustered. In astonishment, she asked, "Do you know anything?"


    She didn''t mean that she didn''t trust Jonny. She just thought that it would be less of a burden to


    everyone if she was the only one who knew about her pregnancy.


    Jonny suddenly answered Amelia''s question. "Let me be the father of the baby. I will give him all my


    love." Jonny uttered those words with utmost seriousness.


    Amelia covered her mouth because she was so surprised. It seemed that she didn''t expect that Jonny


    would know.


    "Jonny... You... How long have you known?" The book couldn''t possibly be enough to figure it out.


    "Amelia, you''re good at hiding your feelings, but I can clearly see through them with a single nce."


    As Jonny said those words, he gave her a smile full of love and eagerness to devote himself to her.


    Amelia did her habit of biting her lower lip. After a few minutes of silence in deep thought, she looked at


    Jonny and earnestly said, "Jonny, I am pregnant."


    Jonny wasn''t surprised at all by what Amelia said. He responded with conviction, "That''s great! I think


    being a mother would suit you very well. I believe the baby will give you the utmost joy in life."


    Amelia asked curiously, "Are you okay with me giving birth to this child?"


    "Why not?" Jonny asked her with a smile. He then expressed his own opinion on the matter. "This child


    is the fruit of your love with Lucian. Consider it a blessing. You should ept it."


    Hearing Jonny''s words put Amelia''s heart at ease. She was ted that they had the same outlook


    towards the child. Without all of theplications, she truly wanted to give birth to her baby.


    "Thank you, Jonny." With Jonny''s support, she finally had that sense of security that she was looking


    for.


    "Amelia, it seems that you didn''t hear me or ignored my words intentionally." Jonny stood up and


    poured a ss of water for Amelia. He looked at her with the utmost sincerity and repeated his earlier


    derations. "Let me be the father of your child. I''ll love him as if he or she was my own."

 Chapter 99 A New Job

    Chapter 99 A New Job


    Amelia''s face went red with panic.


    "Johnny, I actually, um, I want to move out of here if that''s okay," Amelia stuttered.


    "You can''t move out just yet. Now is not a good time," Jonny quickly replied.


    "When I give birth, it will only bring us more trouble," Amelia argued. She didn''t want to put Jonny in the


    middle of a scandal. Moreover, she didn''t want anyone to say anything spiteful about her child.


    Jonny seemed to have read her mind. "You''re worried there might be a scandal, so you want to end


    this rtionship now," he confirmed.


    Amelia acknowledged that it was one of the reasons. She pursed her lips and tried to avoid Jonny''s


    knowing look. But she eventually turned to him and added firmly, "Please let me move out."


    Jonny''s face fell. After a moment of silence, he replied to Amelia, "I didn''t realize you were so eager to


    be rid of me." A bitter smile yed on Jonny''s lips. It made Amelia feel a tinge of guilt.


    "Jonny, I didn''t know I was pregnant. I was as clueless as you. Now, I just want to live a peaceful life


    alone and find work to support myself and my baby." It was because she trusted Jonny that she felt


    comfortable to confess her honest thoughts.


    "Amelia, do you really think that I''m less capable than Lucian of helping you? Did you think that those


    words won''t make me worry about you and your future?" Jonny looked at her with hurt in his eyes. He


    kept his voice low and yet Amelia heard the concern in his tone.


    Amelia fell speechless.


    Perhaps it was because Jonny didn''t want her to feel even more anxious that he reluctantly agreed. He


    added, however, "We have to keep our rtionship."


    Amelia furrowed her brows in confusion. She didn''t understand what Jonny meant.


    He had already agreed to help her move out. Why did he still insist on maintaining their pretend


    rtionship?


    "I''ll help you move out when the time is right. For now, you have to stay," Jonny replied grimly.


    Jonny''s words didn''t make much sense to Amelia. She only nodded and said, "I hope you find your true


    love soon."


    This way, she hoped that she wouldn''t have to pretend to be his girlfriend anymore, and everyone


    would finally be happy.


    "I already have someone I like," Jonny said gently.


    "Really?" Amelia said with delight. Her face brightened up as she asked curiously, "Who is she? Why


    aren''t you pursuing a rtionship with her?"


    Jonny merely gave her a wry smile. "She doesn''t love me." Jonny tried to hide his embarrassment by


    crossing his arms over his chest. Amelia thought he looked ufortable.


    "Well..." Amelia took Jonny''s hand in hers. "It''s not always easy finding a person you like, let alone


    having someone to share love with."


    Jonny nodded in agreement. He appreciated Amelia''s efforts atforting him and regretted that his


    words made her uneasy. He gave her an effortless smile and said, "At least, you found Lucian."


    Amelia couldn''t understand why Jonny always brought up Lucian. She felt in her heart that she still


    loved him deeply, and that tried as she did, she was far from over her rtionship with him.


    She didn''t say anything after a long while. She only snapped back when Jonny stood up to leave.


    Amelia saw Jonny to the door but before he could go, he turned to her and said, "Remember to eat the


    food I bought for you. If you really want to move out, I''ll help you find a ce."


    "Oh, don''t worry about that. I''ve already decided where to stay. I want to continue living in the house I


    was renting before. Mrs. Chen is very kind to me," Amelia replied.


    Jonny said with a light smile, "Okay, if that''s what you want, I won''t stand in your way. But I hope


    nothing would change between us. I hope you won''t treat me as an outsider once you''ve left."


    Amelia felt relieved after getting Jonny''s approval. She smiled warmly and said, "Thank you, Jonny."


    She was grateful from the bottom of her heart.


    The next day, Amelia was back at Mrs. Chen''s. She didn''t have much stuff so it wasn''t difficult for her to


    move out.


    Jonny asked to drive her, but she politely declined his offer. She had just arrived at Mrs. Chen''s when


    she received his call. She reassured him that she was fine and that she didn''t have much with her


    anyway so she didn''t need his help.


    "I''m so happy you''re back, Amelia. I finally have someone to talk to again," Mrs. Chen weed


    Amelia with the warmest of smiles.


    "I''m so happy to be back, Mrs. Chen," Amelia replied with equal excitement.


    Mrs. Chen helped her carry her things to her room. The old woman then called her to lunch once


    Amelia had finished unpacking.


    "You should''ve let me prepare the food, Mrs. Chen. Isn''t it hard to be up and about in your age?"


    Amelia said with embarrassment once she saw the appetizing dishes spread on the table.


    "Oh, nonsense! Doing these chores makes me feel useful. Come and let''s eat," the old woman said


    enthusiastically. Her wrinkled face showed nothing but joy.


    Amelia took a seat and started eating with Mrs. Chen. In between mouthfuls, she dered, "By the


    way, Mrs. Chen, I''m considering staying here for quite a while. Do you think it''s easy to find a job


    nearby?" Amelia had been on the lookout for a job since she came. Although the neighborhood was


    not as bustling as it was downtown, she hoped that it wouldn''t be too difficult to find employment


    considering that the area was right next to the city.


    Mrs. Chen paused and thought about her question. Beaming, she finally said, "I think they''re looking for


    a clerk down at the supermarket. You may want to hand in your resume."


    "Is that near?" Amelia thought that she''d ept anything as long as she was qualified for the job and it


    wasn''t too far from the house.


    "Yes, it''s about a five-minute walk from here," the old woman replied with glee. After a few moments,


    however, she cautioned, "But that supermarket is huge. I don''t think the work is going to be easy."


    "It doesn''t matter, Mrs. Chen. Anyway, no work is easy if one really wants to do a good job." Amelia


    dismissed her concern with a smile.


    The next morning, Amelia found the supermarket after following Mrs. Chen''s directions. She noted the


    name printed on the storefront''s sign and realized that it had many store branches across the city. This


    branch was thergest in the area.


    Amelia approached the information desk and asked to see the manager.


    The manager was a middle-aged man with gold-rimmed sses and a slightly bulging belly. When he


    saw Ameliae in, he pushed his sses up his nose and looked at her carefully. "What position are


    you applying for?" he asked.


    Amelia smiled sweetly before handing him her resume. "I''m applying to work as a clerk, manager.


    Please have a look at my resume."


    "Amelia Mo..." The manager read her name aloud. He looked at her again and asked, "Why does your


    name sound familiar?"


    Amelia''s heart sank, remembering how Lucian searched every corner of the city looking for her when


    she left SJ Garden. He even went as far as cing ads on newspapers and on TV. No wonder the


    manager knew her name.


    But Amelia had already prepared for this scenario. She confidently replied, "Yes, I have the same name


    as the girl they were looking for in the papers some time ago. But I''m not as lucky as her. My husband


    is just an ordinary employee in a smallpany. And yet we''re very happy."


    The manager looked at her and nodded, seeming to believe everything she said. He added, "You have


    the same name and you look like her, too!"


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Amelia felt nervous but she tried her best to keep herposure. She chuckled softly and joked,


    "Maybe we''re sisters separated at birth. But that''s impossible. I''ve always been my parents'' only child."


    Even Amelia was surprised by how well she was able to invent her new identity. She felt a bit proud for


    getting better at lying. She ced her hands behind her back and crossed her fingers.


    "This job may look easy but I assure you that it is not. Do you think you have what it takes to do it?"


    Going over her resume, the manager saw that Amelia only filled out one row for her working


    experience. He worried that she didn''t have adequate background to do a good job.


    Wishing to keep a low profile, she didn''t include Zhan Group in her list of previous employment.


    "Manager, I know I don''t have much experience, but I promise you that I work hard and I trust your


    judgment," Amelia said firmly. Her face lit up into a confident smile.


    "You''re smart. I haven''t even nodded my head," the manager said tly, but Amelia thought she saw


    the faint trace of a smile on his lips. "Well, we''ll try you out for three days, after which, we''ll see if you


    can really handle this job. If you pass, you''ll sign a contract."


    "Thank you very much for this gracious offer!" Amelia had never feltfortable with ttery, but she


    really wanted the job because it was not far from the house she rented.


    That night, Amelia shared the happy news with Courtney. She initially thought that Courtney would be


    happy for her, but Courtney scolded her from the other end of the line, "Amelia, are you insane? You''re


    pregnant! What''s the matter with you?"


    Amelia was so surprised, she almost threw her phone. After Courtney finished scolding, Amelia replied


    calmly, "Who says pregnant women can''t work?"


    Amelia knew that it was good for pregnant women to go about and keep active. She also didn''t want to


    stay cooped up in the house all day.


    "At least, find a different job. You don''t want to work in a supermarket! People can be mean towards


    clerks. And you''re soft, Amelia! I don''t think you can handle it," Courtney said sourly, as if she had often


    witnessed clerks getting treated poorly.


    "It''s not as bad as you say it is, Courtney. Besides, I need this job to support myself. It''s going to be


    fine," Amelia refuted.


    "Alright, alright! I know how stubborn you can get. It''s useless for me to say anything if you''ve really


    made up your mind. Just take care of yourself, okay?" Courtney epted that there was nothing she


    could say to change Amelia''s mind, but she was terribly worried for her friend. "I''m just concerned


    about you, you know? You live alone and have no one to take care of you."


    "Mrs. Chen has been nothing but nice to me. Besides, I''m not a kid anymore, Courtney. I can take care


    of myself." Amelia understood that Courtney was only looking out for her and she greatly appreciated


    her for it.

 Chapter 100 Jonny Hasnt Been Treating You Well

    Chapter 100 Jonny Hasn''t Been Treating You Well


    "Wouldn''t Lucian think it unusual that you and Jonny are living apart like this?" Courtney asked the


    question that Amelia feared the most.


    She had already made a decision regarding this. She didn''t think that it was a good idea to continue


    staying at Jonny''s vi so she moved out. She only had thoughts about working hard for her and her


    baby''s future.


    "We may not be living together but we''re still a couple," Amelia confessed.


    "Sometimes, I really don''t get what goes on in your head, Amelia. To be honest, it would''ve been better


    for you to have stayed with Jonny than live alone like this. You always surprise me by doing things first


    and only telling me afterwards when the deed is done." Courtney sighed at the end of the line. She


    added, "It''s not wrong to choose to be independent. Look at Kent! He once promised me a bright future


    together, and look at what happened? He''s a father now, just like that!"


    Courtney hadn''t mentioned Kent in a while and Amelia thought that she had already gotten over him.


    Hearing her talk about him again made Amelia realize that Courtney had only been pretending to be


    strong, when in fact, her heart had clearly not forgotten him.


    "Just try to look ahead, Courtney. Better things wille," said Amelia, sounding optimistic. But she did


    believe in her heart that better things were in store for her friend.


    Just like Courtney and Kent, she and Lucian could never go back to the way they were. Shelly dropped


    by that day to make Amelia cut off all contact with Lucian. She told her tly to stay out of their lives.


    Amelia had no intention of interfering with their lives, and she had an inkling that Lucian felt the same. It


    was as if their love was a treasure that they had to bury deep into the earth.


    After a long chat with Courtney, Amelia sent Jonny a message to make him feel at ease.


    The next morning, Amelia woke up early to get to work on time. She had been experiencing morning


    sickness recently, but she felt better that day.


    She felt lost in the sea of new faces during her first day at work. It was lucky that a colleague showed


    her around and guided her as she started to familiarize herself with the whole morning routine.


    Her name was Maggie Wang. She was thin, tall, and looked like she was in her thirties. She didn''t


    smile once as she showed Amelia around. She only talked about work and never showed interest in


    getting to know her on a personal level.


    "You''re Amelia, right?" Upstairs, there was a break room and a small cafeteria for the supermarket''s


    staff. Every noon, the employees were given an hour for lunch and in order to save money, Amelia


    chose to eat at the cafeteria. Maggie took the seat opposite hers and smiled at her for the first time.


    Amelia rxed after seeing Maggie''s friendly expression. Returning her smile, she replied, "Yes! Thank


    you for walking me through the whole work routine earlier."


    Maggie said it was nothing and continued warmly, "You look like you''re the smartest among everyone


    here. You''ll save me a lot of trouble."


    "Really?" Thepliment made Amelia blush. She looked around the cafeteria and realized that there


    was only the two of them in the room. She asked, "There are twenty people manning this supermarket,


    right? Why are we the only ones having lunch here?"


    Amelia was still feeling shy around Maggie.


    "I asked the same question when I started working here because I would always eat alone," Maggie


    answered, "The rest of the staff live around the neighborhood, so they go home for lunch every day."


    "I see," Amelia replied meekly.


    "I''ll call you Amelia. I''m older than you but you can call me Maggie," the woman said.


    The way sheughed and talked immediately changed Amelia''s impression of Maggie.


    She didn''t smile at all when she was showing Amelia around the supermarket stations. Their other


    colleagues also seemed scared of her because of her standoffish behavior. But conversing with her


    then, Amelia found her very friendly and approachable.


    "Okay, Maggie," Amelia mentioned her name with a smile.


    "You must be wondering why I wasn''t this friendly earlier when I was showing you around," Maggie


    casually mentioned in between mouthfuls, guessing Amelia''s thoughts correctly.


    Amelia''s face turned red. With an awkward smile, she denied, "Oh, no. It''s just that I''ve always been


    meticulous at work. I''m just worried that I won''t do a good job."


    Confidence had never really been one of Amelia''s strong points.


    "Well, you''re new here so it''s normal for you to think that way. I''ve been in your ce before and I


    completely understand. But if you have any questions about the work here, you can always just ask


    me," Maggie said after draining her bottle of water.


    Amelia counted herself lucky for finding someone like Maggie at work. Her gratitude for her kindness


    made Amelia less nervous and morefortable.


    After work, Amelia bought some vegetables and fruits from the supermarket. She wanted to cook


    dinner for Mrs. Chen once she''d arrived home.


    She was a few steps away from her rented house when she saw a tall, familiar figure that made her


    shudder.


    That silhouette... She couldn''t be mistaken. It had to be Lucian.


    That figure was so embedded in her memory, she knew she would recognize him even with a passing


    nce. Seeing him standing there stirred up old memories.


    Mrs. Chen''s home was small and cozy. It was a bit different from the other houses in that neighborhood


    but it was definitely a sight to behold.


    Vines and shrubs adorned the front gate and the patch of yard. Colorful flowers would bloom during


    April, but the ancient trees remained emerald green all year round. The walls of the residence were


    made with blue bricks. The house looked bright yet beautiful in its serenity.


    Lucian noticed her from a distance. He gave her a long lingering look before walking up to meet her.


    Amelia saw nothing but coldness in his eyes.


    She could tell that Lucian bore a grudge against her.


    "You must be wondering why I''m here," Lucian said coldly once he reached her.


    Amelia had indeed been surprised to see him. But she also knew that Lucian had a wide range of


    contacts so it wouldn''t be difficult for him to learn her whereabouts if he wanted to.


    When Zhan Group was in crisis, Lucian had been distracted by thepany''s problems, affording her


    the chance to leave and lie low. She had evaded his pursuit by staying indoors for days.


    "How can I help you, Mr. Lucian?" Amelia said, trying her best to appear calm.


    The man in front of her stood in a perfectly tailored suit that only made him look taller and more


    dignified.


    Amelia thought he looked even more handsome. She had always found him irresistible whenever he


    wore a suit.


    She looked at him with admiration but took great efforts to hide her feelings.


    "Can you really help me, Amelia?" Lucian mocked. Everything about him was cold, from his eyes to his


    voice.


    Amelia opened her mouth to speak but couldn''t think of anything to reply.


    She didn''t want to invite him in to chat so she merely stood there, trying to mask her embarrassment.


    No one spoke anything for a few minutes. They just stood still, looking at each other.


    They hadn''t seen each other for days. Amelia had always been thin but it seemed to Lucian that she


    had lost more weight. Her face looked tired and gaunt. The bright eyes he had always admired looked


    sunk and sleepless.


    "Hasn''t Jonny been treating you well?" Lucian''s words were sharp. Mentioning Jonny''s name hurt him,


    but he couldn''t suppress his feelings anymore.


    Amelia was stunned by the question but hid her emotions with a smile. She replied, "Why should you


    care if he treats me well or not?"


    Her tone was casual but her words were scathing. This enraged Lucian.


    Hearing her sarcastic response broke his heart. He felt as if the woman in front of him was no longer


    the same woman he loved. The shy and gentle Amelia that she knew had long gone.


    The cruel smile on Amelia''s face disappeared. She couldn''t tell if her answer made Lucian feel insulted.


    Seeing his serious expression, she couldn''t find it in herself to rx.


    His question backfired on him.


    "If you''re so happy with him, why do you work in a supermarket?" Lucian said with a frown. He felt sorry


    for her.


    Despite of how badly she treated him, Lucian still cared and worried for Amelia.


    Amelia felt panic in the pit of her stomach. She didn''t consider that Lucian was this well-informed. She


    just got the job yesterday after her short interview and she only started work this morning.


    "Is it so wrong for me to be working?" She wanted him to stop asking questions about her life. She


    didn''t wish to involve him in her decisions anymore.


    "Amelia, we used to be a couple so I couldn''t help but care. Even if I don''t want to, I still worry about


    you!" His tone was indifferent but his words betrayed his honest feelings.


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    Amelia was caught off guard by his passionate deration. Her pretend calmness was beginning to


    fade, leaving her thoughts in turmoil. She was losing control over her emotions.


    "Mr. Lucian, I don''t want to see you again. If you value our rtionship before, please stay out of my


    life," she pleaded.


    Gloom fell over Lucian''s face. He only looked at her in silence. He didn''t withdraw his gaze until he saw


    that Amelia was starting to look anxious and fearful.


    "Even smart people make stupid decisions, Amelia, especially when they insist on doing things by


    themselves," Lucian said tly.


    Amelia trembled in fear. She looked at him and asked in disbelief, "What do you know?"


    Did he know why she moved out of Jonny''s ce?


    "Are you scared?" Lucian bent down and stared her in the eyes. His look was electric and Amelia


    couldn''t muster the courage to look away. She was being drawn in, lost in his gaze.


    Amelia''s heart was beating louder and faster. She was sweating out of nervousness. But she reminded


    herself that she couldn''t tell him the truth. Even if Lucian knew about the baby, she had to deny


    everything.

 Chapter 101 You Are Mine, Amelia

    Chapter 101 You Are Mine, Amelia


    Amelia was serious. "Tell me you''re joking, Mr. Lucian," she started, her face devoid of any emotion as


    she stared into Lucian''s eyes. "Haven''t you heard? I am now Jonny''s girlfriend. Why would I be afraid?"


    At that point, as wrong as it seemed, she was willing to use Jonny as an excuse to escape the man in


    front of him.


    Without missing a beat, a sly smile appeared on Lucian''s lips. It transformed his face from beautiful and


    angelic to downright intimidating.


    "Jonny''s girlfriend, huh? Seems like you''re still not Mrs. Amelia," he said in a mocking tone.


    Amelia was quick to understand that Lucian was only getting a rise out of her, and so she decided to


    turn her head away from him to avoid his gaze. "Mr. Lucian, I don''t think that is necessary for me to


    report any of those things to you."


    "Not... necessary?" Lucian asked in a low, threatening voice. Slowly, he began to walk towards Amelia,


    who was still avoiding his eyes. As his slender figure strode gracefully towards her, he exuded a cold,


    bitter, and dangerous aura.


    Amelia saw this development in the corner of her eye and so she quickly turned her head back to


    Lucian. Upon doing so, however, she realized that the man was already right in front of her, and that he


    was as intimidating as ever. Panic began to set in inside her and soon enough, her heart started to beat


    rapidly. She wanted to do something about it, but before she could do anything, she found herself in


    tight embrace with Lucian. When she tried to free herself from it, Lucian just tightened his arms around


    her. "Listen," he said, his voice as cold as ice. "If you continue to move, I can''t promise you that I will be


    able to control myself any longer..."


    "Shut up!" Amelia shouted. As she continued to try to free herself from Lucian''s arms, anger and


    annoyance contorted her face.


    Unfortunately, her strength was no match for Lucian''s. He easily triumphed against her, and he further


    locked her into a tight hug. After a few moments, she resigned to her fate and stopped moving. As soon


    as she did, Lucian let her go. Amelia thought that that was the end of it, but Lucian had another thing in


    mind: with one hand, he grabbed both of her wrists and held them tightly, and with the other, he


    grabbed her chin and forcefully lifted her face towards his. "Amelia," he growled. "Only I can be the


    man in your life!"


    His tone was aggressive and his eyes were full of rage. Amelia was starting to be scared because


    she had never seen Lucian act like this before, but before she could even think, he had already nted


    a kiss on her lips.


    This took her by surprise. She wanted to protest against it and to escape Lucian''s grip, but once again,


    her objections went unaddressed. Soon, she epted that she had no choice but to surrender to the


    man''s soft lips.


    The two kissed in the quiet courtyard without a care in the world. In the eyes of an outsider, they looked


    like a couple deeply in love, but for Amelia, the kiss only made her restless, sad, and greedy.


    Feelingplex,plicated, and conflicting feelings made Amelia lose track of time. By the time her


    and Lucian''s lips parted, her face was red and she was extremely out of breath.


    The familiar scene took Lucian back to the time when he and Amelia were happily living together.


    Suddenly, he had the urge to take her away and to live just like that once again.


    "Amelia," he said, his voice now quiet and gentle. "You love me, right?" He raised her chin so that their


    eyes could meet.


    Amelia was still buzzing from their kiss¡ªher eyes were still unfocused, her cheeks were still flushed,


    and her heart was still racing. The question didn''t help her sober up. Instead, it made her chest pound


    harder.


    ''Does he... know what I truly feel?'' she asked inwardly, scared by the thought. When no answer came


    out of her mouth, Lucian grasped her hands tighter and asked, "Did you sign the divorce agreement


    without asking me because you wanted to get the Zhan Group out of trouble?"


    Anger was once again filling his chest. His bloodshot eyes became more prominent, and his breathing


    became more evidentlybored.


    Seeing this, Amelia could not help but feel upset. Her heart swelled up with grievance.


    Then, all of a sudden, she felt nauseous. "I''m sorry," she whispered, gasping for air. ''What is


    happening?'' she thought, confused by her sudden urge to vomit. "I have to go to the bathroom." With


    that, she broke free from Lucian''s grasp and headed straight towards the nearest restroom.


    Unfortunately, she didn''t make it in time¡ªshe vomited by the tree nearest to her.


    Lucian did not understand what was happening until Amelia paused by a tree.


    As if by instinct, he immediately followed her, and upon seeing what happened, caressed Amelia''s back


    tofort her.


    Because it was April, Amelia was only wearing light clothing. The moment she felt the warmth of


    Lucian''s hand on her back, she felt secure and better somehow.


    For a moment it made her happy, but upon realizing that she did not possess the strength that was


    needed to face reality, she once again felt helpless.


    "Amelia, what''s happening? Are you okay?" Lucian asked, his voice full of concern.


    This deeply moved Amelia. Even though she had tried to keep her distance from him on purpose, he


    was still looking out for her and her well-being.


    Amelia turned around to face Lucian with a smile on her face and some tears on her eyes. "I''m fine,


    Lucian. Thank you very much." His tenderness was something she had missed dearly now that they


    were apart.


    Lucian seemed to have understood her longing, and was now feeling sentimental too. Soon, however,


    something dawned on him. "Amelia, are you... pregnant?"


    The question sounded like roaring thunder on Amelia''s ears. And just like scared little animals, her


    thoughts began to run in all different directions.


    ''Shut up!'' she told herself as she tried to calm down.


    "Well," she started, turning to Lucian with the most natural smile she could conjure. "Last night, I''ve


    eaten something that has apparently gone bad. Since then, I have had diarrhea and have vomited a


    few times."


    Lucian fixed his deep green eyes on Amelia. It was as if he was evaluating whether she was telling the


    truth or not. As intimidating as that seemed to be, Amelia could not help but get lost in them, for they


    were the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen. Soon, his lips curled into a smile.


    "Will you promise me that you''ll go straight to the hospital to have a check-up?" These words sent


    Amelia into a panic. It didn''t help that Lucian was staring at her like he was trying to catch her lying.


    ''Oh my god, does he already know everything?'' she thought.


    ''No matter what he says, I must never admit to anything. As long as I deny what he is trying to imply, he


    wouldn''t be able to do anything to me,'' she told herself as she took a deep breath.


    Unfortunately, it was toote for Amelia to ay Lucian''s suspicion. Amidst her panic, she forgot to


    answer his question, resulting to a few moments of silence.


    "Amelia!" Lucian bellowed, pulling Amelia back to reality. "You''re smarter than this! You know that tricks


    do not work on me!" His anger was palpable, and his eyes were as cold as ice.


    Amelia felt a dull pain in her heart. She unconsciously bit her lower lip to try and deal with it, but it didn''t


    help. Because of that, she relegated to looking at the roses that were abundant in the courtyard.


    "Were you really nning on lying to me? Do you really think that you can get away with it?" Lucian


    said, his voice quiet and cold. It made him sad that she had already learned to conceal her emotions in


    front of him, ignore his warning, and brush off his heartache.


    Amelia said nothing. Slowly, she took her gaze away from the roses and turned it to Lucian.


    Her stare was lifeless. There was no sign of gentleness and charm that Lucian was used to. At that


    moment, thedy in front of him was a stranger.


    "Amelia!" he bellowed once again. "Don''t you try to deceive me. You know I hate being yed. That


    child¡ª"


    "Lucian, this child has nothing to do with you." Amelia''s voice, just like her eyes, was devoid of life and


    any kind of emotion.


    "Did I say the child is mine?" Lucian quipped. He realized that Amelia had slipped, and amusement


    quickly colored his eyes. Now, more than finding out the truth, he was more interested in seeing her


    panic.


    Upon hearing what Lucian said, Amelia''s face became pale. She became increasingly nervous and it


    made her immediately change her tone. "What? Well, even if I do have a child in me, it can''t be yours!


    You wouldn''t be the father!"


    "So do you have a baby or not?" Lucian leaned forward and looked at Amelia with knowing eyes.


    At that point, Amelia knew that she was at a point of no return. ''Damn it,'' she thought, annoyed at her


    own self.


    Had she not panicked a while ago, this would not have happened. ''You dumb bitch,'' she thought,


    regretful of her actions.


    "Lucian, what the hell do you want?" She was annoyed, and it was showing on her face.


    "I just want to tell you that whether you are Jonny''s girlfriend or my ex-wife, you will always be mine!"


    He once again reached out to grasp her, pulling her in and mming her into his body. Amelia wasn''t


    hurt by this sudden motion, but instead, she felt shock coursing through her body, as if she and Lucian


    were creating electricity together.


    Lucian stared into her eyes with so much love, lust, and authority. Before, she would have loved it, but


    now, it only made her feel guilty.


    "Lucian, you know that we have nothing to do with each other now," she said helplessly. "Stop this.


    Let''s stop this." She stared at him with pleading eyes and said, "If I have your baby, I will abort it


    without hesitation. I would not bear into this world a child without a father."


    She then forced a smile, despite her eyes only disying sadness.


    It seemed that that statement somehow messed with Lucian''s mind. To him, the words he just heard


    felt like sharp knives that were stabbing his heart one by one.


    Heartache was all he was feeling now. He had a lot to say, but he didn''t know how to say them. He


    recognized Amelia''s smile, but her eyes were the same dead, unfamiliar as those he saw a while ago.


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    The woman who had cared for him and had loved him was so ruthless to him now.


    He knew that these words were not hers, but he was still upset that she chose to tell them to him.


    He let Amelia go. After a moment of silence, he said coldly, "I hope Jonny can make you happy."


    Hearing that, Amelia''s heart broke into a million pieces. She wanted to take everything she said back,


    but she knew she couldn''t.


    Soon, Lucian started to walk away from her. She wanted to turn around to at least see him for thest


    time, but she was afraid that it would hurt more if she saw him slowly fading away. Because of that, she


    stood where she was, still as a statue, trying to stop her tears from falling.


    Before getting in his car, Lucian turned back, thinking that Amelia would turn around. He waited for a


    long time, but she didn''t. A strong feeling of bitterness slowly flooded his heart. Hurt, he went inside his


    car and drove away as fast as he could.


    When she heard Lucian''s luxury car drive off, Amelia finally turned around.


    She felt at a loss, and at that moment, she let her tears freely roll down her cheeks. Her heart ached so


    badly, but she knew that what had happened was for the best.


    Then, suddenly, out of nowhere, an anxious voice called out to her. "Amelia! Why are the fruits and


    vegetables on the ground?"


    It was Mrs. Chen. Amelia quickly wiped her tears away and squatted down to pick up everything she


    had dropped.


    With her hand shaking, she found it hard to get everything. It took her a few minutes to pick everything


    up, and when she did, she stayed squatted on the ground, her back turned to Mrs. Chen.


    "The bag broke, Mrs. Chen," she whispered, once again crying silently into herp.

 Chapter 102 A Pregnant Woman Shouldnt Work Hard

    Chapter 102 A Pregnant Woman Shouldn''t Work Hard


    "Why are you crying?" Mrs. Chen''s voice was filled with concern after noticing tear stains on Amelia''s


    cheeks.


    "What?" Amelia wiped the tears on her face and smiled. "Maybe I''m sweating."


    When she said it out loud, her excuse didn''t look convincing enough. That was why she ended up


    exposing her real intention to Lucian.


    "My silly girl, it''s fine if you cry." Mrs. Chen patted Amelia''s head gently. "You are pregnant now. Mood


    swings aren''t good for your health."


    Amelia was so shocked that she couldn''t find words to say for a long time. She squeezed out a few


    words in a low voice, "How did you find out?" She never showed any signs of morning sickness in front


    of thendy. How did Mrs. Chen figure it out?


    "Well, a handsome young man just told me about it and brought a lot of food for you. He asked me to


    make sure you''re okay." Mrs. Chen had a smile on her face.


    Young man? Amelia''s eyes widened when she realized it was Lucian. She rushed to the room and


    gasped at what she saw. Foodstuffs were piled up in the middle. She felt a twisted pain in her heart at


    that.


    It was so easy for Lucian to find out this news. She had lied on his face about it. What would Lucian


    think about her stupid and naive lie?


    It would only increase the distance between the two of them.


    She thought that Lucian would never contact her again after severing their rtionship. But to her


    surprise, the supermarket manager called her the next day to say that pregnant women shouldn''t work


    too much. He even terminated her job.


    Just how did the manager find out about her pregnancy?


    Anger in her heart ignited, and she dialed a familiar number. She hadn''t dialed this number for a long


    time. Emotions swirled in her heart, remembering the past.


    "Hello." A maic voice echoed in her ears, quickening her heartbeat. Amelia was excited and


    nervous. She was indeed angry, but her heart was moved by Lucian''s actions behind her back.


    She took multiple breaths to calm down and asked, "Why did you do this? I don''t have a job now!"


    She didn''t mean to get mad, but she couldn''t help it.


    Lucian replied coldly, "Should a pregnant woman work?"


    Amelia was rendered speechless. How can pregnancy be a proper reason for staying at home in the


    first few weeks? Lucian had crossed all limits in being overprotective.


    "It''s none of your business!" She snapped at him like a child.


    Lucian was silent for a moment, and she heard his breath against the speaker. "Take care of yourself


    before youe back to me." Even though his voice wasn''t as cold as before, he sounded arrogant.


    "After that, I will be there to take care of you."


    Lucian hung up the phone before Amelia could even think about the meaning behind his words.


    Amelia''s hands trembled, but she clutched the phone tightly. Her heart thumped multiple times faster


    than before. Her moistened eyes stared at the phone screen in both anxiety and confusion. Why did


    Lucian say that?


    The atmosphere in the CEO''s office of the Zhan Group was cold.


    Lucian stared at the documents in front of him with his sharp eyes. He continued to cast a cold nce


    at the couch where Jonny was drinking his tea.


    "Lucian, we grew up together, and we were school buddies. I didn''t think you''d hate me for my


    mistake." Jonny lowered his head. He remembered those old days and grinned. Only if he could


    be a teenager again...


    Lucian stood up and walked over to Jonny, sitting right in front of him. His cold gaze remained on Jonny


    for a few seconds before Lucian sneered and said in a stern voice, "Then, what about Amelia? Didn''t


    you do it deliberately?"


    Jonny looked at Lucian with an apologetic smile. "I admit I used Amelia. But if I hadn''t done that,


    Edmund wouldn''t have helped you."


    "I''ll don''t want to lose Amelia because of the Zhan Group." Lucian''s voice was icy cold when he stared


    furiously at Jonny.


    "I know you love her. Just sit back and let me take care of her, okay?" A rxed smile appeared on


    Jonny''s lips. He didn''t think there was any need to get angry with Lucian.


    "Never! Because you''ve let me down, Jonny!" Lucian''s cold aura leaked out when he heard Jonny''s


    words. He was still mad at what happened back then.


    "Lucian, you were never my target." Jonny gazed at Lucian without blinking for a few seconds before


    lowering his head. Too much had happened, and Lucian deserved to know the truth. He sighed deeply


    and narrated everything that happened with Amelia when she had been living in his vi.


    Lucian''s frosty look melted. He wasn''t feeling distressed anymore, but he still managed to keep a


    straight face. "Did she really say that?"


    Although he didn''t doubt Jonny''s words, he wanted to hear those words again. His heart was filled with


    iparable warmth.


    "As I said, she sees the child as a gift from God, and a motivation for her survival. She wants to give


    birth to the child and raise it!" Jonny''s stomach churned when he said those words, but he couldn''t


    keep it from Lucian anymore.


    "Well, what do you need me to do?" Lucian knew Jonny wouldn''t say these things without any reason.


    He would want Lucian to ept his conditions. That was Lucian''s n to get Amelia back.


    Jonny''s shoulders rxed and told Lucian about his n.


    Lucian nodded and said with seriousness floating in his eyes, "I can cooperate with you, but you have


    to take care of Amelia."


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    "Don''t worry. I promise to bring Amelia safe and sound." Jonny smiled at Lucian and stood up to leave


    the office.


    Lucian pulled out his phone to call his assistant, Eric. He wanted Amelia back, and he couldn''t wait any


    longer.


    On the other hand, Amelia wandered on the street lifelessly, cursing Lucian under her breath. Not only


    did she lose her job, she was even told by the doctor to rx. How could Amelia rx when she didn''t


    have anything to pay her bills? She could only sigh and try to be in a good mood for her baby. She


    could look for another jobter.


    When it was almost dinnertime, her phone vibrated, and she picked it up. The voice from the other side


    gave her a sense of relief. It was Jonny.


    "Amelia, how about having dinner with me tonight? We wouldn''t want ourme efforts of the couple-


    show to go in vain, would we?" His tone had a hint of amusement. Amelia assumed that Jonny might


    be in a good mood.


    Amelia agreed happily.


    Jonny arrived at Amelia''s ce about half an hourter. They found a Chinese restaurant for dinner.


    "I''m sorry, Jonny, but it''s not convenient to have meals in my ce," Amelia said apologetically after


    sitting on the table.


    Jonny had a yful smile on his lips. "Is it because I''m not your real boyfriend?"


    Amelia was surprised to hear that and shook her head. He was just teasing her. She rxed and


    chuckled. "Yes, if men continued to appear often, thendy would be scared."


    "Who are you talking about?" Jonny cast an astonished nce at her, but he understood a second


    later. She was indirectly talking about Lucian.


    "Uh..." Amelia covered her mouth subconsciously. How could she say something like that? She opened


    her mouth to correct herself. "I mean..."


    "You don''t have to exin. I understand." Jonny squinted his eyes for a second before smiling gently at


    Amelia. He put some of the dishes on her te. "You should eat more. Irregr meals would hamper


    your baby''s growth."


    Amelia felt a lump in her throat at his statement. She did have the habit of skipping meals. He was


    right, though. She nodded in silence.


    She had to take care of herself for the sake of her baby.


    Amelia patted her stomach and nced at eating Jonny, who was sitting across her. "Jonny, why would


    every single one of you try to brainwash me into eating more? If I keep up following yourmands, I


    will definitely be fat!"


    "How can you be fat? You''re so skinny that it''s impossible to even imagine you turning into a


    chubby girl." He tried tofort Amelia thinking she had mood swings again.


    "It doesn''t matter. I''ll eat as much as I can for my baby." She stroked her stomach, gazing at her womb


    with affectionate eyes.


    Jonny paid for the meal, bringing her to the car. "Amelia. I''m envious of Lucian." He said and ignited the


    engine, driving to Amelia''s ce.


    The smile on Amelia''s face disappeared upon hearing a familiar name. A wave of restlessness filled


    her heart.


    "You are an excellent man too." Amelia assumed that Jonny was jealous of Lucian because of his Zhan


    Group. "And you have had more free will aspared to him."


    Lucian was always attending meetings in the office.


    "Free will?" A hint of bitterness shed in Jonny''s smile. "You''re too naive to think I have a free will. I''m


    more or less stuck as Lucian."


    "Jonny, why do you keep mentioning him?" She didn''t mind talking about Lucian, but she could feel that


    Jonny had another motive.


    "Amelia, happiness or sadnesses and goes like a season. So don''t worry, just take care of


    yourself." Jonny''s voice rang in Amelia''s ears just as she had opened the door of the car.


    Amelia gave him a confused nce and bid farewell to Jonny with a smile.


    A few dayster, Amelia went out to look for a job. She had just given her ID card when they refused to


    take her interview. That was not the main point that irritated her. The reason they gave was ridiculous:


    her pregnancy.


    She stood in the square and frowned. Did she have abel "pregnant woman" on her forehead? It had


    been four weeks into the pregnancy, so her stomach was t. Even sharp eyes wouldn''t tell that she


    was pregnant. How did they know?


    A realization dawned on her, making her frown deeper. It was Lucian again!


    She was so angry that she wanted to hit someone. In the end, she ended up calling Courtney. Before


    Amelia could even open her mouth, Courtney''s happy tone entered her ears. Courtney gossiped about


    the man she had mentioned before, and that she was in love with him.


    Amelia had to take long breaths to suppress her anger for Courtney''s sake. Now that Amelia was calm,


    she felt warmth in her heart after listening to Courtney''s words. Amelia ended up promising Courtney


    that they would meet after dealing with everything.

 Chapter 103 For The Babys Sake

    Chapter 103 For The Baby''s Sake


    Amelia''s heart brimmed with joy when she heard the news about Courtney falling in love. It was a very


    delightful thing that it felt as though her heart shone in a shroud of mist.


    She believed that rtionships give someone an opportunity to start anew. A good woman like


    Courtney deserved a new beginning. Amelia hoped that Courtney''s fortunate meeting with the man


    would no longer endanger her from the painful throes of heartbreak. She wished that this man would


    make Courtney feel safe and secured.


    Now it reminded her of her own situation. Amelia frowned. With the anguish in her heart, she couldn''t


    muster the will to give Lucian a call for the second time and ask him questions. The conflict between


    them would have made their rtionship stronger if they gave it a chance.


    After a series of failures in her attempt tond on a job, Amelia thought of throwing in the towel with the


    job interviews left. She entertained the idea of possibly working in a flower shop or a bakeshop. It was


    honestly not so bad if one thought about it. After all, she wouldn''t have to work so much.


    No matter how much Lucian interfered with these business enterprises, he wouldn''t be able to pay


    much attention to them all. As a result, Amelia soon found a job.


    She got herself a position in a small milk tea shop. The interior was visually pleasing with all the potted


    sulents and wooden floor and furniture.


    As the shop clerk, she had responsibilities to deal with such as keeping the shop tidy and preparing


    desserts and milk tea for the customers.


    Her boss was a 40-year-old woman. If she didn''t mention her age, Amelia would have thought that she


    was in her early 30s. The way her boss dressed brought out the youth in her features.


    Her taste in clothing was cozy yet fashionably modern, like those in boutiques. She sported a neatly


    kept braid, and wore a lovely pleated floral skirt. Her smile brought out the glow of her beauty.


    Her name was Carlotta Xiong. Amelia thought her beautiful name suited to a woman as elegant as her.


    Throughout the day, Amelia spent most of the time learning how to concoct different blends served in


    the shop. She made sure to take note every detail of the process so it would retain to memory. She


    was astoundingly a quick learner, and this didn''te as a surprise as she used to help Courtney with


    this thing before. With the constant guidance she received in her training, she got the hang of making


    drinks in no time. Every drink she managed to make was praised by Carlotta until thest drop.


    "Amelia, you seem to have a talent for this! I thought I would need to teach you for a week. Looking at


    your current progress, I could entrust the whole shop to you tomorrow." Carlotta beamed an excited


    grin. She then sighed in relief and said, "I am the sole owner of several other establishments.


    Managing them all by myself is difficult."


    Amelia gave the interior of the shop another look, appreciating the aesthetic that emanated from it. Her


    eyesnded on the decorative ck board with the shop''s name written in intricate calligraphy. "One


    Meter Sunshine," she whispered softly as she read. There were various kinds of sulent nts


    ced in front of the shop. Each pot was stered with abel saying "Not For Sale". Ornamental


    dried nts hanged fittingly on the wall. The polished wooden floor and tables were decorated with


    lovely cherry flowers. Everything looked simple yet sophisticated.


    To work in a cozy environment as this put her in a good mood all day. Not only did she acquire a new


    skill, but she also found love and joy in what she was doing. The job didn''t feel like "work" at all.


    "Don''t worry, Carlotta. I''ll try to get better at this as soon as possible," Amelia promised with a


    reassuring smile.


    "I''m not worried about that. You''re a smart woman," Carlotta said with a smile in return. "Usually, it


    takes about ten days to fifteen days for anybody to learn all my exclusive blends," she added.


    Amelia tilted her head in concern. She gave Carlotta a worried look and asked, "Okay, if it wasn''t that,


    then what were you worried about?" Then she queried further, "Are you worried that I might not make it


    to the shop on time by myself? Or I might be too busy perhaps?"


    Amelia had a good grasp of the customers in the shop. From 3 PM to 10 PM, the shop would be most


    crowded. Because of this, she chose to work on a 2 PM to 10 PM shift. This way, she could still get


    enough rest while avoiding the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan streets.


    Although pregnant women usually experience sleeping problems and are required to do more exercise,


    Amelia thought that her shift worked fine as long as she could get more time to prepare herself for the


    day in the morning. As for the exercise part, her duties in the shop would suffice. Getting this job was


    like hitting two birds with one stone.


    "I can drop by and help if the shop gets busy. I did teach you a lot of things and how they work around


    here. I''m just¡ª," Carlotta paused to gather herself. "I''m just worried that you might turn out like the rest


    who resigned so soon. I don''t think I can bear to go through another hiring process again," she


    muttered with her clenched hand pressed to her chest. A look of difort was noticeable on her


    features.


    Amelia couldn''t help but chuckle. "Don''t worry, Carlotta. I have no intention of leaving anytime soon,"


    she reassured.


    Most of the time, Amelia''s work would go smooth. Outside the shop''s peak hours, she would spend her


    time indulging herself with rxing activities like reading lifestyle magazines, watering the nts and


    wiping the counter. At times, she would make some drinks and listen to love songs on the radio. All of


    these were good for the baby in her tummy.


    Now that she was carrying a life in her womb, Amelia only had the baby''s well-being as her top priority.


    No matter what the pregnancy guides told her to do, she followed the tips she thought that was best for


    her child.


    "That''s good to hear. Don''t let me down!" Carlotta smiled at Amelia''s promising enthusiasm. She then


    pointed at the nts outside the door and said, "I raised these nts all by myself. I ced them by


    the door in order to attract attention of our customers. I also hope they bring them good mood.


    Unfortunately, there are always some students who secretly take one away ''unintentionally'' as they


    say. I need you to keep a good watch on the nts."


    "Noted," Amelia replied with a nod. She kept Carlotta''s instructions firmly in mind as if her life depended


    on it. She then browsed the shop''s logbook and started sorting out some tasks for tomorrow. She gave


    it an hour to study and organize them. After concluding everything with a triumphant breath, she felt


    ready for her first day at work.


    "Amelia, don''t think for a second that I''m already forty. I am still young and kicking. We have a lot to talk


    about in the future," Carlotta told her with an elegant smile. She waved her goodbye and left the shop.


    Amelia smiled while watching her youthful 40-year-old boss bike her way along the road. As soon as


    she snapped back to reality, she realized that she was getting sentimental over this.


    When Iris passed away, her life took a huge turn and everyday was just her drifting lifelessly into the


    huge waves of grief and sadness. Mourning over her was not easy. It felt as if dark rain clouds


    shrouded over her life. Sometimes, she couldn''t find the will to live. Other times, she couldn''t find the


    point of waking up each day.


    If it wasn''t for Jonny''sfort and help, she wouldn''t be able to cope with the loss. She would''ve


    developed depression and started taking medication.


    Now with the babying along, gloomy clouds made way for the clear bright blue sky. Things started


    to change for the better. It opened a new chapter in her life.


    The milk tea shop was two stops away from her rented house. It only took a ten-minute walk to arrive at


    the shop. It was only eight o''clock in the evening, but Carlotta was kind enough to end her shift early.


    "Well, it''s your first day on the job. I only need you to be familiar with how things work around here,"


    Carlotta chimed with a smile. Then she added, "But starting tomorrow and the seeding days, the


    real work will begin."


    Under the streetmp posts, Amelia walked alone on the pavement. From a far distance, she looked


    small and defenseless. And from that very distance, a shady male figure followed her trail. He tried to


    approach her closely. In fear of being discovered, he hid behind a thick street post, and then at a street


    corner. He dashed silently for a second or two, his distance to Amelia crept in closer and closer.


    Amelia was unaware of the lurking presence behind her, so she kept walking until she arrived at the


    courtyard of her house. She stopped in her steps midway and gave the house a good look. It was


    completely dark. Amelia wondered where herndy was. Suddenly, her phone rang. She checked


    her phone screen and saw Mrs. Chen''s name as the caller ID.


    Thendy should be home around this time of the day already, but it was so dark from the courtyard.


    It was utterly unusual.


    Amelia would have been more worried if thendy didn''t call.


    "Hello, Mrs. Chen. Where are you?" Amelia asked with apparent anxiety in her voice.


    Mrs. Chen chuckled and responded in a reassuring tone, "Don''t worry, Amelia. I''m watching a TV show


    at an old friend''s house. We haven''t seen each other for a long time, so we''ll be hanging out for the


    night. I won''t be back until tomorrow. Just stay at home, and watch the door."


    As it turned out to be that case, Amelia gave a huge sigh of relief.


    Although she knew that Lucian wouldn''t do anything to harm thendy, she was still worried.


    Brushing the thoughts away, she went to the door step and started rummaging through her bag for her


    house keys. She used her phone screen''s brightness as her torch. Suddenly, her phone got snatched


    from her grasp in a split second. She yelped in surprise and took a step backward. She was caught off


    guard that she broke into cold sweat.


    Before she could cry for help, the door clicked open, and Amelia realized her house keys were no


    longer in her hand. Panic began to rise in her. The abrupt turn of events left her still and silent by the


    doorstep.


    After a flicking sound of the switch, the light blinked and illuminated the entryway.


    The light snapped her out of her panicked state and a surge of relief calmed her nerves. But standing


    right in front of her was a handsome man she never wanted to see again. Her face turned cold and


    guarded, a big scowl gave away her hostility towards him.


    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    A familiar scent lingered from the man''s figure. It was a scent that Amelia was very well-acquainted of,


    but it was also the scent that she wanted to removepletely from her memory. She hated to admit it


    but she missed it. The scent left her in a trance that she didn''t notice that the man made his abrupt


    wee into her house. She failed to react quickly to it.


    Amelia knew that it was toote to ask him to leave. She stood by the door and looked at him with cold


    angry eyes. All the passion she had for the man in the past was gone ¡ª or so she thought.


    In truth, her love for him never faded, but she needed to restrain her dear yearning heart. She buried


    these feelings with the hopes ofpletely moving on with her life.


    She also had to promise to herself since the man left her and married Shelly.


    "Why are you looking at me like I''m a bomb? That breaks my heart," the man spoke with a low


    disheartened voice.


    Amelia''s lips quivered as she wanted to say something, but she failed to utter a single word in the end.


    "Have you had dinner yet?" Lucian broke the silence somewhat ufortably, but concern was


    evident in his tone.


    His words of concern stirred Amelia''s heart. She couldn''t help but look at Lucian''s face again. She


    missed him so much, and it crippled her with an empty void in her very being. A huge tide of yearning


    gushed into her heart. Her tears pooled delicately on her glossy eyes. They beaded at the corners of


    hershes, threatening to fall off her blushing cheeks.


    Lucian was perceptive enough to read Amelia''s heartbroken expression. He knew Amelia for a good


    amount of time. He witnessed Amelia at her happiest and at her weakest. It was then Lucian suddenly


    felt sorry that she got caught into his mess.


    Before Amelia could say anything, Lucian strode toward her and pulled her into his arms. Then he


    nted a deep kiss on her soft delicate lips.


    The kiss made him feel steady and anchored. It felt like home. He truly, agonizingly missed her.


    Lucian mmed the door shut and pressed Amelia against it. While kissing her, he tenderly reached


    out to her slim waist to keep her in ce. The entire situation was disconcerting. But if both hearts were


    beating, reaffirming their quiet longing for each other, then it didn''t matter. Nothing else mattered.


    Lucian''s loving kisses lingered and they swept Amelia off her feet. She draped her arms around


    Lucian''s broad shoulders and moaned deeply into the kiss. Then atst, they broke off, and Amelia


    gasped for breath. Her lips glistened with a tender blush. Lucian loosened his grip on her and made a


    quick look at Amelia''s enticingly disheveled state. He smirked suspiciously at her.


    Before Amelia could lose to her senses, she pushed Lucian away. "Lucian, we divorced," she said in a


    firm tone as she red daggers at him.


    She thought that reminding the man would knock him back to his senses.


    But she wasn''t aware that those words rattled Lucian''s broken heart. Those words re-ignited his urge to


    have her under his control. Despite everything, he wasn''t letting her go. He wasn''t taking "no" for an


    answer. He wanted Amelia to remember that she only belonged to him. If locking her up would put her


    in ce, then he would do it.


    "So what? You are my woman!" he retorted strongly, sounding like a


    scoundrel.

 Chapter 104 She Gave Up Her Love

    Chapter 104 She Gave Up Her Love


    Amelia was stunned for some time. When she finally snapped back to reality, she shook her head and


    red at Lucian. "That was before. Not now, and definitely not in the future," she told him.


    Nothing would change the fact that the An Group saved the Zhan Group. Because of this, it went


    without question that Lucian would marry Shelly. There was no way that Amelia could bear to mess up


    their rtionship. If she did, how different would she be from a home wrecker?


    Lucian looked deeply in Amelia''s eyes as he pretended to keep calm. "Do you really want your child be


    born without a father?" he finally asked.


    His question had definitely provoked the anger in Amelia''s heart. Thest thing she wanted was for the


    baby to be brought up.


    Although she didn''t deny that Lucian was the baby''s father, she never thought about asking him for


    some support.


    Taking a deep breath, Amelia tried to calm her nerves. "He''s mine," she said through gritted teeth, "He


    has nothing to do with you."


    There was so much strength in Amelia''s voice that it was quite obvious she was not going to change


    her mind any time soon.


    Meanwhile, Lucian understood the underlying meaning in Amelia''s words -- she was making a cold


    remark that was based on their rtionship.


    "But the child is also mine! You can''t just cut me off like that just because you say so," Lucian glowered


    coldly.


    For a while, the two just stared each other down, pain and anger in their eyes.


    Finally, Amelia spoke up. "If you really insist on being associated with this child," she said in a low


    voice, "You''ll leave me no other choice but to get an abortion."


    Maybe it was because of the amount of rage she felt or because it was what she really thought was


    best; whatever the reason, Amelia said such vicious words right at Lucian''s face without a second


    thought.


    After saying that, Amelia''s lips trembled. She did not expect that she would be capable to say


    something as harsh as that.


    Immediately, Lucian''s face was filled with sadness and loss. It was as if he had just lost a hopeless


    battle. Averting his gaze from Amelia, he straightened up and adjusted his tie.


    "As long as you take care of yourself, I will note to bother you," he said coldly. It was obvious that


    Lucian was in so much pain.


    Looking up at him, she saw how broken the expression on his face was. Seeing Lucian like this made


    Amelia hurt so much.


    Lucian walked to the door, his hand already on the knob. Before going out, he paused at the doorway


    and cast a sidelong nce back at Amelia. Her face was the same as he had always remembered, a


    truly beautiful woman that could easily move his heart.


    However, there was something different about the way she looked right now. It was as if she was no


    longer the same woman who always had a smile on her face.


    "Lily said you should finish the chicken soup she made for you, or else she would be sad," Lucian said


    before finally walking out and closing the door behind him.


    A sharp, piercing pain went through Amelia''s heart when she heard the door click close.


    Burying her face in her hands, Amelia allowed herself to cry for a while. At that moment, she felt so


    drained and tired. After a while, she pulled herself together and walked up to the table in the dining


    room.


    There was a big bowl with a lid on top. Amelia lifted the lid, and instantly the smell of the soup wafted


    into her senses. It smelled so good andforting that she felt as if a great weight had been lifted from


    her shoulders.


    Wiping the tears away from her face, Amelia went into the kitchen and grabbed an empty bowl. With a


    sniff, she sat down on the table and helped herself to Lily''s soup. Amelia tried to eat slowly, but she


    couldn''t help gulping it down so quickly. It was such a familiar andforting taste that she managed


    to eat everything all by herself.


    After eating the veryst drop, she noticed that there was actually a note stuck on the container:


    "Mrs. Amelia, I thought you said that you were on a trip... Why did you lie? Despite all the bad things


    they say about you on the news, I don''t believe that you are really that willing to leave Mr. Lucian. You


    love him so much, and he loves you too. I won''t go back to my hometown, Mrs. Amelia. I will wait for


    your return to SJ Gardens. I know you wille back soon."


    The handwriting, the way it was written, the choice of words... It was apparent that Lily was the one


    who wrote this note.


    After reading Lily''s message twice over, Amelia felt an uneasiness sweep through her. It appears that


    Lily was doubtful that Amelia would give up on her love for Lucian without so much as blinking an eye.


    The more Amelia thought about it, the more she came to realize how ungrateful she really was. Lily had


    been nothing but kind towards Amelia, and yet Amelia still found it in herself to lie just so that she could


    leave SJ Garden.


    The courtyard was fairly calm and quiet. Mrs. Chen wasn''t going toe back tonight. After cleaning


    up and fixing her things, Amelia was just about to go to sleep when her phone suddenly rang. It was a


    message from an anonymous number. Judging from how the message started, Amelia already had a


    good guess who it was:


    "I can''t control who my man meets up with, but I can tell you off. Let me be clear about this -- if you


    ever get in touch with Lucian again, you will deeply regret it. If you had any sense left in you, you''ll just


    do as I say."


    ''I''m sure this message is from Shelly,'' Amelia thought.


    Amelia''s eyes started to get hot from the tears that were starting to form. Every breath she took, she


    felt as if her chest was getting tighter and heavier. Shelly''s message was so painful that it was like


    someone was tearing Amelia up into a million pieces.


    As much as she didn''t want to think about it, memories of her times with Lucian flooded her thought.


    How his kiss felt, how he looked at her with that sweet smile... Amelia curled up into a ball on the bed


    and hugged her legs tightly. Sadness had be like an old friend in Amelia''s life. Recently, there


    wasn''t a day that had passed that she wasn''t sad and crying.


    The following morning, Amelia woke up a bitter than usual. She had barely gotten any sleepst


    night. Sitting up, she looked over at the time. When she saw howte it was, she groaned in


    annoyance and washed up.


    After freshening up, she went out and saw that Mrs. Chen was busy in the kitchen. "Good morning,"


    Mrs. Chen greeted when she saw Amelia walk in, "You''re here. I have made breakfast for you. Come


    and let''s eat together."


    Biting her lip, Amelia hesitantly went over to Mrs. Chen. "Mrs. Chen, I''m so sorry. You weren''t able to


    come homest night because of me," Amelia said apologetically.


    ''If Lucian didn''t go and approach Mrs. Chen, she wouldn''t have stayed over at someone else''s house


    for the night,'' Amelia thought, feeling filled with guilt.


    "I didn''t expect that I could live in a luxury hotel and enjoy such good service. If I could, I wouldn''t have


    gone back here at all!" Mrs. Chen grinned as she lightly joked.


    Hearing this, Amelia was in astonishment. It looked like Lucian treated Mrs. Chen better than she


    initially expected.


    Then, Mrs. Chen turned to solemnly look at Amelia. "If you two really love each other, then I have no


    business with your rtionship with him. But... I would just like to say that young man is quite a kind


    and considerate gentleman. He went out of his way to make sure that I was well taken care of just so


    that he could have the chance to be with you." Although Mrs. Chen felt embarrassed to say this, she


    kept true to her word that she would put in a good word for Lucian.


    Amelia came to her senses and shed a light-hearted smile at Mrs. Chen. "I didn''t think that you''d sell


    me out like that in exchange to stay at a luxury hotel."


    "Of course I''m not trying to betray you, my child. But now you are pregnant and the baby''s father is


    willing to take responsibility. Why are you so angry?" Mrs. Chen couldn''t figure it out. She seldom read


    the news, but she had read a few reports about Amelia and Lucian on the newspaper. It was just


    impossible to believe that Amelia couldn''t live a happy life with Lucian.


    "Mrs. Chen, I have to go to work at two o''clock in the afternoon. I''m just going to run some errands


    before then," Amelia said as she turned to leave, trying to avoid the topic.


    "Silly girl," Mrs. Chen sighed, "Don''t wait until the love ispletely gone. When that happens, it will


    really be toote."


    Hearing this, Amelia felt that there was a thorn in her heart. Nheless, she didn''t look back at Mrs.


    Chen, and just went on her way.


    It was a sunny day in April. Amelia walked down the street by herself. The trees along the sidewalk


    provided ample shade from the sunlight. Taking a deep breath in, Amelia tried to clear her head and


    vent out the unhappiness in her heart.


    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    She arrived at the shop an hour earlier than her usual shift. As soon as she opened the door, warm


    sunlight poured into the milk tea shop. Amelia got busy and started working around -- watering the


    nts, cleaning the tables, setting up a soothing ylist, and the sorts.


    Normally, people went to the shop in the afternoon to put their feet up and rx. But since it was


    already spring time, afternoons usually had a sleepy atmosphere.


    A little past 3 o''clock, Amelia had her first customer.


    "Hello, wee!" Amelia greeted, struggling a bit with her English. For a while, she racked her mind,


    trying to remember the little English she knew.


    The man who had just entered looked like he was a foreigner. After hearing Amelia struggle with her


    pronunciation of English words, the man beamed at her. "I''ll have a ss of lemon ck tea. Thank


    you," he said in fluent Chinese.


    "Y-yes, sir! Please wait for a moment..." Amelia''s eyes were wide open out of amazement. She did not


    expect that he would be able to speak Chinese so well.


    It was highly probable that Amelia''s English-speaking skills were even inferior to that of a junior high


    school student''s. During her English sses back in the days, she was always absent-minded and


    often didn''t know the answers to her exams.


    Amelia was definitely caught off guard when her first customer today was a foreigner. But after she


    heard the man speak Chinese, she couldn''t help but quietly breathe a sigh of relief.


    As she made the man''s order, she made sure that she was especially careful and precise. She


    followed the steps as diligently as she could. After a few minutes, she was able to make some lemon


    ck tea without any trouble whatsoever.


    She took it over to the man and was about to speak to him in English, but the words seemed to get


    stuck on her tongue. "Please enjoy," she said to him in Chinese, flushing deeply and quickly walking


    away.


    The foreigner smiled at her, and took a sip of the drink that she had just made.


    Amelia was back at the counter. She was hurriedly looking for a next song to y that the man might


    be familiar with. ''Maybe he''ll have a better time here if he hears a song from where he''s from,'' she


    thought to herself.


    When the music began, the man looked out the window and put his ss back down on the table. It


    was hard to tell what was on his mind, but judging from the look on his face, Amelia could only guess


    that he wasn''t averse to the song she had yed.

 Chapter 105 Marry Him As Soon As Possible

    Chapter 105 Marry Him As Soon As Possible


    This was Amelia''s first day of work. Needless to say, she was both nervous and excited when her first


    customer came in.


    She was told that she could give pastries to customers if she wasn''t busy so she decided to make a


    tiramisu. When she served it to her customer who seemed like a foreigner, the foreigner seemed


    surprised. The foreigner then smiled and gave her a thumbs up.


    "This is my first day of work here and you''re my first ever customer. I hope I served you well today!"


    Amelia said shyly.


    "Your tiramisu is very delicious. I''ll be sure to remember you." The foreigner keptplimenting the


    tiramisu Amelia made.


    "Thank you so much for your patronage. We hope youe back soon," Amelia said politely.


    She wasn''t as nervous anymore now that she was able to serve a customer well. When evening rolled


    in, several couples came in. Thankfully, their orders were her specialties so she didn''t panic and didn''t


    keep the customers waiting.


    It was a weekday so she had about less than ten customers that day.


    Around ten, Amelia had just finished cleaning and was getting ready to leave. The minute she locked


    the door, her phone buzzed.


    It was a message from an unsaved number. The message however did introduce Shelly as the sender.


    Shelly was asking if she was free the following day and if she could meet up with Amelia.


    Amelia wanted toe home first before she replied. However, just as she was crossing the road, her


    phone started ringing.


    Although she hesitated for a while, she still answered the call. She braced herself for the worst¡ª


    whenever Shelly called, it always seemed to be an unpleasant experience for her.


    "Come on, sister-inw. Why do you do that? Why aren''t you replying to my message?" Shelly


    comined on the other end of the line.


    Amelia felt a chill run down her spine upon hearing Shelly refer to her as sister-inw. After a pause,


    she replied, "I was on my way home so I didn''t notice that someone had messaged me."


    "Oh, I see. I thought you were just a coward." Shelly raised her voice. Then she continued, "Lucian and


    I have fixed things. He was very gentle with mest night. I''m calling to thank you for what you said to


    mest time. Since then, his attitude towards me has changed."


    Shelly was trying to sound as if she was just grateful for Amelia but the haughty tone in her voice was


    difficult to miss.


    Amelia froze upon hearing this. She stood at a corner, feeling as if her heart had just been ripped out of


    her chest.


    Heartbroken, she took a deep breath before replying in a calm voice, "That''s great. Congrattions."


    "Thank you! But why do you sound so angry?" Shelly said casually on the phone.


    "Miss Shelly, I do not sound angry. I''mpletely calm. If there''s nothing else, I''ll hang up the phone


    now." Despite the pain in her heart, she still spoke as calmly as she could. The bus had long left at this


    point and she thought it would be a waste to take a cab. She was finding it difficult to breathe now.


    "I don''t care whether you love Lucian or not. I just want to remind you that I''m his wife now and it''s


    absolutely wrong to destroy a marriage," Shelly said harshly. Then without waiting for Amelia to


    respond, she added, "It won''t be long before Lucian and I start a family. Once the baby is born, Lucian


    and I will live happily ever after. So you better stay far away. My elder brother may be a little boring but


    he''s very good to women. I hope you two get married soon. ¡°


    Amelia opened her mouth but nothing came out.


    It wasn''t until Shelly hung up that she got on her knees, her chest heaving as she couldn''t breathe.


    She thought that as time went by, she would eventually get used to life without Lucian and ept that


    Lucian was with Shelly now. But after hearing what Shelly said, she felt as if her heart was twisting in


    pain.


    Putting a hand over her stomach, she couldn''t help but feel upset especially when Shelly mentioned


    that she and Lucian were starting a family soon.


    As much as she didn''t want to cry, tears kept falling from her eyes and she couldn''t help it.


    After letting herself crying for a while, she eventually got up, ready to go home. However, suddenly, she


    felt a pair of hands lift her up from behind¡ªa sense of warmthing over her.


    Before she could raise her head to see who it was, she heard a soothing, male voice. "You''re a mother


    now. You shouldn''t be crying. It''s not good for the baby."


    It was Jonny...


    Amelia then burst into tears. "Jonny... I... Can I lean against your shoulders?"


    As soon as she stood up, she felt dizzy. After crying for a long time, she didn''t have the strength to be


    sad anymore.


    "Okay." Jonny wanted to say yes andfort her but when he remembered the deal that he had made


    with Lucian, he had to restrain the joy that he felt in his heart.


    They were sitting in a rattan chair by the roadside. A gust of cold wind blew over. Amelia didn''t even


    feel cold¡ªshe felt numb as all she could feel was the sensation of the wind blowing over her tear-


    stained face.


    "What about your new job?" Jonny asked in a low voice.


    Amelia moved her head away from Jonny''s shoulder, sniffed, and said calmly, "I like my new job but


    with the seasons changing, I don''t know. I find myself upset all the time. Anyway, it''s good to have a cry


    every now and then."


    Although she tried to hide her true emotions, she was right. It was indeed nice to have a good cry every


    now and then.


    "Jonny, why are you here?" It wasn''t until Amelia had stopped crying that it came to her mind¡ªwhat


    was Jonny doing here in the first ce?


    "I wanted to make sure you were safe and to be honest, I didn''t like what I saw." Jonny didn''t hide his


    concern for Amelia. He felt sorry for her when he saw her walking alone in the dark street.


    Although he had promised Lucian that he would return Amelia unharmed and that he would just keep


    his love for her a secret, he couldn''t help but show his concern for her right now especially when she


    was so vulnerable.


    Amelia shed him an awkward grin. She recalled how she told Jonnyst night that she was excited


    for her new job and here she was, crying her eyes out.


    "Oh, I almost forgot. My first customer today was a foreigner! He was very polite and spoke Chinese


    very well." ''I should tell him about my new foreign friend,'' Amelia thought.


    Jonny knew that she was just trying to change the topic so he asked, "Did he like the milk tea that you


    made him?"


    "Of course!" Amelia nodded and said proudly, "He said he would remember me. I bet he''ll be a regr


    from now on!"


    If Amelia continued to establish rapport with her customers, she would definitely have more regrs.


    Jonny immediately frowned and asked in confusion, "Why did he say that he remembered you?" It was


    reasonable to say that he would remember the drink...


    "Jonny, don''t take it the wrong way. He said the drinks and cakes are delicious!" Amelia corrected him


    right away. She didn''t want Jonny to misunderstand the whole thing.


    Seeing her innocent smile, Jonny figured he was probably overreacting. He then shed her a smile


    and said, "Let''s go. I''ll drive you back home."


    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Amelia didn''t refuse. When they arrived home, she walked to the yard, turned, and waved farewell to


    Jonny. "It''s gettingte. Drive slowly."


    "Amelia, it''s good that you''re working but it''s toote to be getting off work now. You should be asleep


    by now. This isn''t good for the baby, you know." Jonny was concerned because not only did he promise


    Lucian that he''d take care of Amelia but also he also was genuinely worried for her.


    When he first returned to China, he already knew he was going to look for her but what he didn''t expect


    was to find her already married to Lucian. It was like fate¨Che couldn''t prate her world no matter


    how hard he tried.


    "Don''t worry, Jonny. I have no trouble sleeping anyway. I can still get eight hours of sleep so the baby


    will be fine. Besides, I don''t even get tired at work. Making drinks isn''t that hard, you know," she


    answered, smiling. She was quite satisfied with her work now.


    "That''s good. If anything happens, remember to call me." With that, Jonny drove away.


    Standing at the gate of the yard, Amelia was in a daze. The dim light fell on her face as she felt the chill


    of the night. She took a deep breath and looked up at the dark sky. For a moment, she had forgotten


    about that horrible phone call with Shelly.


    After getting ready for bed, Amelia checked her phone then she checked the calendar and noticed the


    date¡ªit was Vernon''s 50th birthday tomorrow.


    Ever since the divorce from Lucian, Amelia hadn''t been able to talk to Vernon much. Once, she thought


    of calling him to ask him how he was but eventually, she decided against it.


    The next morning, Amelia went to the pastry room and ordered a birthday cake. Despite her hesitance,


    she knew that it was still her responsibility as a daughter to visit her father on his birthday.


    If she took a taxi, it would be quite expensive so she decided to take a bus instead. It was going to take


    her 40 minutes but she felt uneasy as she had so many things on her mind.


    When she got off at the bus stop, she hailed a taxi to the Mo mansion.


    Amelia wanted to go back to work before 2 pm so she made sure to hurry¡ªshe arrived at the Mo


    mansion at 9:30 in the morning.


    Lucian had hired a servant for the Mo family. When Amelia arrived, the servant was busy cleaning the


    house. As soon as she caught sight of Amelia, she rushed towards her and said in a cheerful voice,


    "Miss Amelia, it''s been a while since west saw you! Come in,e in!"


    Amelia smiled in response. When she walked past the garden, she couldn''t help but notice how


    beautiful the flowers had blossomed into¡ªthey danced gracefully along with the


    wind.

 Chapter 106 A Father-and-Daughter Relationship

    Chapter 106 A Father-and-Daughter Rtionship


    Amelia couldn''t exin her feelings as she entered the Mo mansion. She hadn''t been back in that


    house since she started renting a room at Mrs. Chen''s. The ce felt very familiar as it was where she


    spent her childhood, and yet it had also felt strange since she lost Iris.


    Amelia took Iris'' photo with her when she left SJ Garden.


    Coming back, she thought that Mo mansion had changed so much and only the memories of the past


    felt the same.


    The servant greeted her and told her that Vernon was in his study. Sophia had been living with


    Ynda. She woulde back every other day and would always leave in a hurry. Vernon would tend


    to the garden or read books in the study when he had free time.


    Amelia felt at ease knowing that Sophia and Ynda weren''t there. She was d to have found


    reprieve from their sarcastic and scathing remarks.


    She set the cake down on the table and went upstairs to the study. She heard Vernon''s voice respond


    to her knock. Opening the door, she found him sitting by his desk with a cigarette in his hand. When


    Amelia entered the room, Vernon quickly stood up and snuffed the cigarette on a nearby ashtray. He


    had a wry smile on, but his tone sounded concerned as he greeted his daughter, "I haven''t seen you in


    a while. How are you, Amelia?"


    He felt a bit strange to Amelia but warm.


    Amelia only nodded to acknowledge Vernon''s wee. She didn''t think to say anything.


    Vernon''s face fell as he looked at Amelia. Worried, he continued asking, "Did you and Lucian really file


    for divorce?"


    Amelia had already anticipated this question and she thought she came prepared with an answer. But


    hearing Vernon mention Lucian''s name froze her where she stood. She looked at Vernon nervously


    and said, "Yes, it''s true. We did file for divorce."


    Saying those words felt like she was dropping a bomb. She was instantly overwhelmed with thoughts,


    predominant of which was Lucian''s face.


    Vernon didn''t press her to say more when he saw Amelia''s crestfallen expression. Embarrassed, he


    said to her, "Well, you haven''t been back in a long while. How about staying here with me for a few


    days? Or better yet, stay here permanently?" He regarded her with a warm smile.


    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Vernon hadn''t shown her as much affection since Iris'' death. Amelia felt both happy and bitter when


    she heard his invitation to stay. Despite everything that had happened between them, Vernon was her


    father and seeing him then made her want to put the past behind.


    "Dad, I only dropped by to wish you a happy birthday. I have to return to work," she quickly said as she


    checked her wristwatch for the time.


    Astonished, Vernon looked at Amelia and said in disbelief, "You said you already filed for divorce.


    Aren''t you entitled to some of Lucian''s assets?"


    Vernon''s question made Amelia pause on her way to the door. She looked at him nkly and shook


    her head.


    When she decided to divorce Lucian, she merely downloaded the forms and signed them. She didn''t


    bother herself with the documents pertaining to shared property and assets. At the time, she only


    thought about how to get Zhan Group out of trouble.


    As for the Zhan family, she never considered that she was entitled to a portion of their money. Besides,


    it was she who asked for divorce. She didn''t deserve anything after agreeing to marry Lucian and then


    ending it all after a few months.


    "Let it go, Dad. We have nothing to do with each other anymore," Amelia said coldly. She avoided


    meeting his father''s gaze.


    Vernon gave up asking about Lucian once he saw how ufortable Amelia was bing. He only


    nodded in response.


    Amelia understood how the news of her divorce had hurt her father. When he learned that she was


    marrying Lucian, Vernon was overjoyed. The thought of someone taking care of Amelia for the rest of


    her life made him feel at ease.


    "I''m sorry, Dad," Amelia said, lowering her head in guilt.


    Vernon only looked at his daughter and sighed, "I''m not just sad, Amelia. I''m also disappointed that


    things had to be this way."


    Vernon''s words hurt Amelia more than she let show. She bit her lower lip and forced herself to smile.


    Try as she did, she couldn''t think of anything to say tofort him.


    "I heard you found a new job. What''s the name of yourpany? How much is your sry?" Vernon


    asked about her work to break the silence.


    With genuine happiness on her face, Amelia replied excitedly, "I make 3000 dors every month as a


    probationary employee. Once I be a regr, I''ll start earning more."


    It wasn''t just the money that made her happy. The thought that she could save a sum every month


    before her baby was born gave Amelia joy.


    Vernon wore a gentle smile and said, "You''ve always been kind and obedient. I never had to worry


    about you. It''s just that... Is Jonny really nice?"


    Based on Vernon''s question, it seemed to Amelia that he had been following the news. Her name had


    been smeared all over the papers. She didn''t think Vernon would pay attention to it all, but it was


    apparent he did.


    Like every other person who didn''t know better, Vernon must had also believed that she left Lucian


    because Zhan Group was in crisis.


    Amelia had ceased caring about other people''s opinions. As long as Zhan Group was doing well and


    Lucian was happy, she felt that all her sacrifices were worth it.


    "Don''t worry about me, Dad. Everything''s fine," Amelia replied to reassure her father.


    Vernon took sce in her words. After a pregnant pause, he said, "Well, I heard that the An family is


    just as good. I hope you''d treat them well."


    Amelia''s chest had felt tight but she found it in herself to smile. "Dad, today''s your birthday. I want to


    celebrate with you, but I''ve only started work the other day. It''s not a good idea to ask for permission to


    leave so soon. I''m sorry. I''lle back the next time I get a day off."


    "Oh, well! Just remember to take care of yourself," Vernon said as he walked her down the stairs.


    "Won''t they being to celebrate your birthday with you?" Amelia saw the cake she bought on the


    table. She worried that Vernon would have to mark his birthday alone. Without others to celebrate with


    him, the cake would just add to a lonely picture.


    "Ynda will be giving birth in two months. Sophie went to live with her to take care of her. I don''t think


    she woulde home tonight." Vernon''s face as he said this was quite reassuring. He smiled at


    Amelia who thought he had read her mind just then.


    "I''ll call my boss and ask if I can leave early so we can celebrate together," Amelia said.


    "Alright! I''ll cook!" Happiness was written all over Vernon''s face.


    Amelia felt d to have visited her father. Smiling warmly, she said, "You know what, Dad, go to the


    living room and watch some TV. I''ll make you lunch."


    Since it had been a while since she wasst in that house, she thought she''d take the opportunity to


    cook for her father.


    "That would be lovely, Amelia! You always cook the most delicious dishes. It''s something you definitely


    got from your mother. My cooking is terrible." Vernon didn''t even realize that he had mentioned Iris''


    name out of joy.


    It was the first time Amelia heard him mention her mother since her death. She was deeply touched by


    his words.


    "Mom always cooked with love. I still remember her cooking," she smiled as she thought fondly of Iris.


    "Yes, although I would always criticize her cooking at the time," said Vernon who was preparing tea for


    him and Amelia. He was sipping from his cup when a thought dawned on him.


    When Amelia looked at Vernon again, the old man was wearing a frown.


    Less than a week after Iris had passed, Vernon moved Sophia and her daughter into the Mo mansion.


    Already depressed due to the loss of her mother, Amelia was even more inconsble when she saw


    her father bring in another woman. She resented Vernon for it and despised Sophia and Ynda.


    Amelia thought that Vernon had not been faithful to her mother. They had been together for more than


    ten years, so she couldn''t understand how he could bring another woman into their lives so quickly


    after Iris'' death. It took a few weeks before Amelia learned that her father had actually been pushing


    Iris to leave the family before her death.


    "Have a seat, Dad. I''ll cook for you," Amelia said curtly and shook her head to clear off the dark


    thoughts. She didn''t want her resentment to hurt any hope of having a better rtionship with her


    father. Regardless of the past, she wanted nothing more than to be in good and peaceful terms with


    Vernon.


    Amelia had entered the kitchen when she heard Ynda''s voiceing from the living room. When


    their eyes met, she was surprised to see the heavily pregnant Ynda, but she merely walked up to


    her with a smile. "I heard you''ll give birth in two months."


    Ynda''s face instantly went sour as soon as she saw Amelia. She red at her with sharp eyes.


    "Why are you here? Is Mrs. Amelia no longer allowed at the Zhan mansion? Did shee crawling


    back to the Mo family?"


    Amelia had anticipated Ynda''s hurtful words. Still maintaining her smile, she replied, "I''m a member


    of the Mo family, Ynda. This is my home."


    Amelia had no intention of arguing with Ynda, but thetter took her response as provocation. Her


    face darkened before answering, "I''ve always thought of you as a simple and unsophisticated woman,


    Amelia. I never thought that you''d abandon Lucian just as Zhan Group was falling down on hard times.


    And you actually went to Jonny! You truly are despicable. You deserve every hardship thates your


    way."


    Amelia pretended to yawn. She no longer cared about Ynda''s hurtful words. Calmly, she told her,


    "Today''s my father''s birthday. I don''t want any trouble so please step out of the way. If you do, I just


    might still think of us as family."

 Chapter 107 A Victim In The Marriage

    Chapter 107 A Victim In The Marriage


    "Don''t be so hypocritical, Amelia. It was only a coincidence that you ended up marrying Lucian. You


    were so cocky, thinking that we were beneath you. Look at you now¨Cyou''re left with nothing. You think


    you can juste running back to us and start treating us again like your family as if nothing


    happened? Shame on you!" Ynda had to restrain herself. Then she snorted and added sarcastically,


    "You thought you were so much better than everyone else just because you married into Zhan family.


    When in reality, you''re nothing but a mistress."


    The look on Amelia''s face shifted. She wanted to fight back as she didn''t expect that Ynda would


    attack her like this. With a cold look on her face, she said snidely, "Aren''t you exactly the same way?


    Don''t you like eating other people''s leftovers?"


    Amelia knew that Ynda would definitely grab this chance to talk back at her. She wasn''t going to let it


    happen anymore¡ªshe was carrying a child and this was just not healthy for her. She didn''t want her


    child growing up with all these kinds of negativity. So no matter what, she was going to fight back. She


    wasn''t going to let Ynda step all over her anymore.


    Upon hearing this, Ynda glowered at her. Snidely, she said, "Well, you and Jasper didn''t even sleep


    together and you really consider Jasper as your leftovers?"


    Amelia was taken aback at this. She didn''t expect that Ynda would go this far. She sneered at her.


    "Doesn''t matter. I never enjoyed the meal anyway."


    "Amelia, looks like you''re learning a thing or two about talking back. Well, I don''t want to argue with you


    anymore. I pity. Everyone abandons you and it seems that no one likes you," Ynda said sharply,


    scowling at Amelia.


    Eyeing Ynda''s bulging belly, Amelia bit her tongue back. She didn''t want to fight with her anymore.


    In a low voice, she said, "For the sake of your baby, I''m going to let this go."N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Amelia decided it was time go back to work especially that Ynda was here now. She took off her


    apron and walked around Ynda, intending to go to the living room to say goodbye to Vernon.


    "Oh my God!" Ynda cried in pain as soon as Amelia walked past her.


    Amelia turned to look at Ynda. Ynda was lying on the ground with her one hand clutching at


    Amelia''s leg. With much difficulty, Ynda said, "Amelia, I know you don''t like me but leave my baby


    out of this! This is my and Jasper''s child! This is my life!"


    All of a sudden, Ynda screamed. If Ynda wasn''t grabbing Amelia''s leg, Amelia would have left


    already. It was quite obvious that Ynda was just acting after all.


    "Ynda, what''s wrong?" Upon hearing the noise, Jasper suddenly came rushing in. The scene he


    chanced upon pretty much told the story itself¡ªYnda was on the ground and was pulling Amelia''s


    leg with her hand. He then turned to Amelia and asked sternly, "Amelia, what did you do to Ynda?"


    "I was just standing here, minding my own business when your wife suddenly grabbed my leg. Why


    don''t you ask her?" Amelia said coldly to Jasper upon seeing hime in.


    Jasper had been holding a grudge against Amelia ever since she refused to lend him money. Now was


    his chance to get back at her. He then helped Ynda up and without wasting another second, he


    turned to Amelia and pped her across the face.


    Amelia waspletely taken aback¡ªshe hadn''t realized what had happened until she felt the sharp


    twinge on her face.


    Soon, tears had streamed down her face.


    "Jasper, she''s your ex-girlfriend. How could you hit her like that?" Ynda was leaning against Jasper''s


    chest and was shooting Amelia death res. She spoke as if she was reprimanding Jasper when in


    reality, her tone wasced with satisfaction.


    Amelia gave Jasper a dirty look who then bit his lips, still looking angrily at her as well.


    "Amelia, don''t try me!" After he spoke, he wrapped his arms around Ynda as if to protect her.


    Ynda seemed very proud as if she was pleased with herself.


    "Try you? What the hell did I do?" Amelia sneered as she eyed the two of them. Slowly, she said, "If


    your babyes out anything like the two of you, I''m sure he''ll be an excellent actor."


    "Jasper, she pushed me so hard that I fell! Are you just going to let her get away with it?" Ynda


    whined after Amelia had left. Apparently, to her, it wasn''t enough that Jasper had pped Amelia.


    "Come on! I did that to protect you and wanted to teach her a lesson!" Jasper said coldly as he shook


    off Ynda''s hand.


    Amelia clearly heard Jasper but she just ignored him, pursing her lips as she walked into the living


    room. Vernon was sitting on the sofa and had a strange look on his face as he watched her approach


    him.


    For some reason, Amelia felt a chill run down her spine.


    "Does this bother you?" she said snidely, referring to Jasper hitting across the face. She nced at the


    cake on the tea table and said, "Well, your daughter and son-inw are here so I guess there''s no need


    for me to be here anymore. Happy birthday anyway."


    With that, she grabbed her bag and left. From the distance, she heard Vernon call out her name in a


    hoarse voice.


    Despite the beautiful sunny day, Amelia was in a foul mood.


    She raised her head as tears spilled from her eyes. In an attempt to make herself feel better, she took a


    deep breath.


    The intersection near the mansion was crowded with cars. Luckily, Amelia was able to hail a taxi.


    However, just as she was getting in the cab, she felt a pair of hands grab her. She figured it was Jasper


    but when she turned her head, she immediately froze from head to toe.


    "What a coincidence!" Lucian said with a gentle smile on his face, his eyes filled with tenderness.


    Needless to say, Amelia was confused. Looking at Lucian, she felt as if her heart was beating a mile a


    minute. Once she''d gathered herself, she stood up straight and put on an indifferent look on her face.


    Lucian gave the taxi driver a look that prompted him to drive away. Amelia ignored Lucian and intended


    to hail another taxi.


    "Where are you going? Let me drive you." Lucian shed her a smile as he grabbed her hands.


    "Thank you for offering but I''d rather take a cab," she refused without hesitation.


    "Well, all right. If you''re not in a hurry, you can take a cab then." With a slight smile, Lucian stepped


    back.


    Amelia didn''t understand what he meant. They weren''t at the SJ Garden where it was difficult to hail a


    cab so it''s not like she was going to bete for work.


    However, ten minutes had passed and not a single car had driven by. Confused, she couldn''t help but


    wonder, ''Did Lucian know that there weren''t going to be any cars passing by?''


    She kept darting her eyes back and forth, waiting for a taxi or any car to pass by.


    "What''s wrong with your face?" Lucian hadn''t noticed the red mark on Amelia''s face until she turned.


    The minute he caught sight of it, his heart tightened, his eyes were immediately filled with worry.


    Amelia touched her face unconsciously and looked up at the sky then she blurted out, "It''s just from


    standing too long under the sun."


    If the other side of her face had the same red mark then this would be believable. However, it wasn''t.


    Obviously, Amelia was lying.


    "Come over here." Lucian grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards him.


    Amelia''s initial instinct was to resist but by then, Lucian had already picked her up, afraid to hurt her.


    He warned, "If you move, I''ll kiss you."


    Amelia huddled in his arms and looked up at his handsome face nervously.


    His scent was so familiar that as it lingered in her nose, her face started to flush.


    Lucian then brought her to the passenger seat. He looked at her affectionately and said gently, "I just


    want to drive you home. That''s all."


    Perhaps it was the look in his eyes that made it difficult for Amelia to refuse. Until he started the car,


    she remained calm.


    She thought of Shelly and all the things she''d told her.


    "I heard that you''ve found a new job?" Lucian asked as he drove.


    When he spoke, his tone was indifferent. Amelia felt a twinge in her heart upon detecting the coldness


    in his voice.


    Even then, she knew he was only concerned about her. She fixed her gaze at him.


    "Looks like you have a reliable source of information," she replied with a little sarcasm. Then, sneering,


    she said, "Lucian, you know I don''t keep secrets from you."


    At that moment, Amelia''s words rung in the air.


    Upon hearing this, Lucian felt a sadness ovee his heart. He said, "I don''t understand why you


    want to hide anything from me in the first ce."


    She didn''t ask him for anypensation in their divorce agreement and she still hadn''t told him that


    she was pregnant with his child.


    As much as Lucian wanted to talk about everything, they couldn''t because Amelia seemed unwilling to.


    He understood what she was worried about and he felt sorry for her but it''s not like he could do


    anything about it.


    "Why should I keep you updated? I don''t see what''s wrong with keeping a low profile." She turned her


    face towards the car window and decided to focus on the scenery outside, her eyes following the


    sunlight.


    Lucian''s lips twitched. After a while, he said, "Amelia, if your goal was to save the Zhan Group by


    sacrificing our marriage, you should know that I''m not going to thank you. If anything, I''ll even me


    you."

 Chapter 108 I Wont Lay A Hand On A Woman

    Chapter 108 I Won''t Lay A Hand On A Woman


    Amelia sat dumbfounded at Lucian''s words. She had no words to retort against him.


    "It''s no secret that you are in love with me, so why do you insist on being indifferent?" The car came to


    a halt at the side of the road. Amelia''s shock doubled as she felt it stop. From his seat, Lucian turned


    sideways, reaching out to touch Amelia''s reddened cheek with his fingers.


    There was a tingling sensation where his gentle touchnded on her skin. Amelia held her breath, her


    body stiffening as she willed her wild heartbeat to calm itself.


    The next moment, cold lips covered her own. Amelia instinctively resisted from shock, but the car


    provided little space for her refusal. There was no room for her to escape. Lucian was holding her


    forcefully, and her senses drowned in the heat of his lips in the cramped space. Every caress tore at


    her defiance, and before she knew it, she had surrendered¡ª swept away in the tidal currents of his


    touch.


    The spell broke at the sound of a knock on the car window. Reluctantly, Lucian loosened his hold


    around Amelia. Her eyes were blown wide as she breathed in deep gulps of air. The persistent rapping


    had not stopped, and she whirled around to the source of the sound. Sophia was there, rapping at the


    window violently with her palm as she wore an angry expression on her face.


    "Stay here. I''ll go out to have a look," Lucian said, nting a soft kiss on Amelia''s forehead.


    He got out of the car before Amelia could say anything, closing the door behind him and walking


    towards Sophia.


    Amelia watched him as he made his way towards her. She didn''t know what Sophia was going to say


    and she was afraid that Lucian would be agitated with her words. Moving quickly, she went after him


    and pulled on his arm. "Didn''t you say that you would give me a ride? I''m going to bete. Let''s go


    now," she said, trying to persuade him.


    From where she stood, Sophia sent daggers with her eyes to Amelia. "Haven''t the two of you divorced?


    Why are you still clinging to him?" she snapped.


    Lucian felt the slight tremble in Amelia''s fingers as she clutched his sleeve and looked at her. Her eyes


    pleaded with him.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    The pained expression on her face only fueled Lucian''s resolve to have a word with Sophia.


    Anger surged in his veins every time he thought of Amelia''s visit to the Mo family.


    "Mrs. Sophia, I wasn''t aware you had such a repugnant mouth," he said. Lucian put his arm around


    Amelia and held her protectively, his eyes sharp as he stared at Sophia. The cheongsam Sophia wore


    was bright, colorful, and pleasing to the eyes¡ª a stark contrast to her hateful character.


    A hand came up to cover her mouth before Sophia could decide against it. The cold words from Lucian


    had visibly caught her off-guard. She recovered quickly enough, her features changing to an


    expression of displeasure.


    Sophia had always had a bitter face, sharpened even more with her thinness. As she stood in front of


    Lucian and Amelia in anger, her features were all pointed, her angr lines making her hostility all the


    more apparent.


    "Mr. Lucian, I believe it was obvious that my words were directed to Amelia and not you. Please do not


    trouble yourself with answering for her," she said. Despite her indignation, Sophia recognized that


    Lucian was a valuable connection. Jasper needed him to expand his business, and she was treading


    on thin ice. She spoke with all the politeness she could muster, hoping to preserve the possibility of


    Lucian''s future support.


    However, she had been too ignorant. She was painfully unaware of the fact that offending Amelia was


    the same as earning Lucian''s ire.


    With cold eyes, Lucian stared at Sophia in front of him and replied in a voice full of contempt, "Amelia


    and I are a couple. No matter what rtionship we have, it would never change the fact that she will


    always be the woman I care the most about."


    Sophia''s face had lost all color. Her hands shook as she stood in front of him.


    Lucian''s words came to Amelia in soft, gentle waves, but it wrapped around her with undercurrents of


    anguish. Lucian was now married to Shelly, and Amelia had no right to the warmth in his words.


    "You have said very touching words. However, I find it very peculiar that the two of you have divorced,


    and yet here you are with these derations. Don''t you think it is a bit inappropriate, given your current


    situation?" Sophia sneered, her eyes never leaving Amelia. She looked at her with disdain, as if she


    were looking at a criminal.


    "Mrs. Sophia, God is watching us, and only he has the right to judgment. If you are not careful, you


    might end up eating your own words," Lucian said. Then, he held Amelia''s hand in his own and turned


    to leave.


    Determined to have thest word, Sophia ran to Amelia quickly and grabbed her arm. "You are no


    longer part of the Zhan family. Come home with me now!"


    The suddenness of Sophia''s actions shocked Amelia, and for a moment she was unable to move. In


    the next second, Sophia was pulling her fiercely, bringing Amelia down with the force of persistent


    tugging.


    "Amelia!" Lucian saw her stumble and fall down to the ground. His fury rose as he went quickly to her


    side, helping her stand up. Then, he grabbed at Sophia''s hand and forced her to let go of Amelia''s


    wrist. The woman shrank under his murderous expression.


    Sensing his temper, Amelia grabbed his arm and said, "Lucian, she''s just like that. Don''t mind her. She


    always says what she wants. Just let her be."


    Sophia felt herself dwarfed by the imposing manner with which Lucian stood in front of her. He had not


    spoken a word, but she understood his threat.


    "Don''t worry. I wouldn''ty a hand on a woman," Lucian said coldly.


    With the guarantee that she would be unharmed, the tension dissipated from Sophia''s face. She forced


    a smile on her stiff face and began to approach him. "Lucian, I always knew you were a proper


    gentleman. You were the son-inw of the Mo family before. I hope we can count on you for help in the


    future."


    Sophia''s words fell harshly to Amelia''s ears. She wanted to cover her ears and wince at their utter


    shamelessness, but she did not want to agitate Lucian any further. Amelia kept silent, her face as hard


    as stone.


    "I may be the son-inw of the Mo family, but I have no business with a vicious stepmother!" Keeping


    his eyes on Sophia, he warned, "If you dare to cause any more trouble and if I find you harassing


    Amelia, I''ll make sure you won''t be able to take even a single step in the city!"


    Sophia was rooted to the spot, pale at his threat. Fear coursed through her body as Lucian''s words


    rang in her ears. Conceding here now would be a blow to her pride, but she was too weak against him.


    Lucian was a powerful man. Swallowing the bitter words that wanted toe out of her mouth, she


    kept silent, the seeds of revenge taking root as she watched the two walk away.


    "You never listen, do you?" Lucian sighed as they got in the car.


    Amelia did not answer, just watching his face. Her chest bloomed with an unspeakable gratitude that


    came with a great sadness.


    She gave him a small, resigned smile. "I''m used to it. It''s been years." Living with Sophia and her


    daughter was like living with two wolves. It was as if they wanted to tear at her flesh every chance they


    had.


    "You should tell me first before you go to the Mo mansion." Lucian kept looking straight ahead as he


    spoke. He did not see Amelia''s face as his words hit her and had her almost dumbfounded.


    Doubt echoed in her thoughts. ''But we have already divorced,'' she said to herself.


    They no longer had anything binding them. Amelia knew that she had to keep her distance from him,


    but he always appeared in front of her. She gazed and traced his features with her eyes¡ª the once-


    familiar lines of his face bringing her a quiet joyced with longing.


    "Thank you for helping me out just now. I will be more careful in the future," she said, not answering his


    earlier statement.


    Lucian had no intention of letting the topic go. "Tell me next time in advance if you want to visit them,"


    he repeated.


    Amelia''s throat felt tight at his words. She looked at Lucian in disbelief.


    She had grown ustomed to his protection, but now that habit wracked her with guilt.


    He was no longer her husband. It wouldn''t be right, especially when there was someone else waiting


    for him.


    Amelia was a woman too, and she would never want to be the cause of another''s tears. Shelly and


    Lucian were married now, and it was Lucian''s duty to take care of her. "Mr. Lucian, Miss Shelly loves


    you very much. Please cherish her," she said, even when her own words brought thorns to her chest.


    Lucian''s lips were a hard line and his eyes were brimming with unconcealed disappointment. He


    breathed out a long sigh as his chest rose and fell.


    "It''s good to hear you call my name again," he said softly.


    Amelia''s chest tightened as warmth gathered in her eyes. She blinked them away and stayed silent.


    For a while, the two of them stayed in that quiet, wistful moment of unspoken words that were even


    more painful with the silence.


    His name. She could only whisper it in the middle of the night, in the intimacy of memory or her


    dreams. Only in those few hours could she love him without guilt.


    All too quickly, they had arrived at the ce where Amelia worked. She was surprised that he knew


    where she worked, but once again, she decided not to ask.


    He was Lucian. If he wanted to know something, he would.


    He had told her this before.


    Amelia stepped out of the car, away from the longing that enveloped it. "Thank you," she said politely,


    determined to once again face reality and establish their distance. He held her gaze, his eyes


    unreadable.


    She had thought that he would drive away once she got down, but to her surprise, he followed her out


    of the car with a grin on his face. She stood in confusion as he walked to the door of the store. "Since


    you''re so thankful for me driving you here, pay me back with a seat in your shop," he said.


    Amelia''s brows furrowed. Pointing at the door of the store, she lied, "I don''t have the key."


    Lucian raised his eyebrows and looked around. His eyes stopped at a restaurant behind Amelia and


    said in a rxed tone, "It''s almost lunch time now. We haven''t eaten yet. How about we go out for


    lunch together?"


    Looking at him, Amelia knew she would have no choice but to ept his invitation. Either that, or he


    would keep pestering her the entire day.


    He was the lesser evil. "All right," she gave in and opened the door.


    Lucian watched her enter the store, a victorious smile on his lips.

 Chapter 109 The Relationship Between Ex-husband And Ex-wife

    Chapter 109 The Rtionship Between Ex-husband And Ex-wife


    Amelia didn''t want anything to do with Lucian anymore, but she couldn''t help herself but fall for his


    gentle demeanor. She felt like there was no escape in this senseless struggle.


    Lucian looked around with a nk expression on his face, but his eyes were clear. The anger that he


    felt earlier seemed to have disappeared.


    "We only have cakes and pastries to eat here. If you''re hungry, you can have lunch in the building


    opposite of here. They sell meals over there," Amelia stated out of nowhere. She thought he might be


    hungry. She couldn''t help herself to care for Lucian.


    Upon seeing her caring nature once again, Lucian joyfully smiled. He looked at the clock and said,


    "There''s still an hour left before you go back to work. We still have enough time to go out and eat lunch


    together."


    Not only did Lucian know where Amelia worked, but he also knew her daily schedule.


    "You can go ahead and eat. I still need to clean up here," Amelia replied.


    "Let me help you then," Lucian offered. Lucian suddenly snatched the rag from Amelia''s hand and


    immediately started to wipe the table.


    Amelia was shocked by what he did. She wondered why Lucian would do such a thing.


    "Aren''t you busy with your family business, Mr. Lucian?" Amelia woefully asked with a frown on her


    face.


    "You traded our marriage for the Zhan Group. Of course, I''m busy." Lucian blurted out those words, but


    quickly realized that he shouldn''t have.


    Lucian thought that saying those kinds of things would only make the burden that Amelia was carrying,


    much more heavier. He felt extremely regretful.


    Hearing Lucian''s words left Amelia speechless. It made her remember the inexplicable grievances that


    she tried so hard to forget. Because he was telling the truth, she did leave him and cancelled their


    marriage to save the Zhan Group.


    But her efforts were useless and she had to force the man she loved to make a difficult decision.


    Lucian tried to ease Amelia''s troubles by saying, "Don''t forget that there''s another human being in your


    belly now. You don''t want to starve him, do you? So let''s go and have lunch now." He then threw away


    the rag that he was holding in his hand and looked at Amelia''s belly with interest.


    When Amelia realized that Lucian was staring right at her belly, she felt somewhat ufortable and


    self-conscious. This made her cheeks blush while she ced her hands around her belly in a futile


    attempt to cover it.


    His reason made it hard for Amelia to refuse his offer. She then nced at the time and thought that


    one hour was indeed enough for them to eat. So, she simply nodded at him in agreement.


    They chose to eat at a small restaurant nearby. The ce wasn''t luxurious but it had a decent


    ambiance to it. The moment they entered, they heard a very popr love song ying which made


    them feel somewhat awkward yet amused. To not make the atmosphere more ufortable, they


    quickly walked towards a table.


    As usual, Lucian chose to sit by the window which had always been Amelia''s preference. She sat down


    and gazed at the potted nt near the window.


    It was the only thing she could do to ease her mind about their embarrassing conversation earlier.


    Lucian then ordered dishes that were all suitable for pregnant women. Since Amelia loved spicy dishes,


    he still ordered some but specifically asked the waiter to lessen the spiciness of their food.


    Amelia was deeply moved by Lucian''s care for her. She tried her best to remain calm even though her


    heart was extremely touched by his actions.


    "Are you suffering from morning sickness recently?" Lucian asked in a gentle tone. And before she


    could answer, the dishes they ordered had arrived and were ced on their table. Lucian then went on


    to cut Amelia''s food for her.


    Amelia felt ufortable with his gesture. She forcefully put a smile on her face and took her


    chopsticks. She then said, "Thanks, but I can do it myself."


    Her actions made Lucian feel dejected. But even though he felt that way, he continued to smile at her


    and listen to her talk.


    During their meal, they only said a few words to each other. Lucian didn''t eat much. He just stared at


    Amelia''s face, as if he would never get tired of looking at her.


    Amelia certainly felt his gaze. But she just kept her head down and ate ceaselessly until she was full. It


    was certainly a different feeling not to be judged on how much she ate by the man in front of her.


    "Are you done?" Lucian asked when he saw Amelia put her chopsticks down on her bowl.


    She then wiped her mouth with her table napkin and nodded at him. Amelia''s eyes nced at Lucian''s


    untouched food then curiously asked, "Why didn''t you eat that much?"


    With her simple question, Lucian couldn''t contain his excitement. He felt like his heart was like a reed


    being heavily blown by the wind.


    Full of joy, Lucian smiled and affectionately said, "Because these meals aren''t as delicious as the ones


    you cook."


    Amelia couldn''t help but roll her eyes at him. She honestly thought that he was only teasing her.


    "Come on. I''ll walk you back." Lucian didn''t want to upset Amelia, so he stood up and walk her back to


    the milk tea shop opposite of the restaurant.


    As soon as they arrived at the shop, Amelia remembered that Lucian hadn''t eaten that much. She


    couldn''t help but feel guilty so she gave him a pastry for when he got hungryter.


    "Did you make this?" Lucian asked, seemingly full of astonishment. He knew that Amelia was good at


    cooking but didn''t expect her to be good at making desserts as well. He took a bite of the pastry and


    immediately gave a thumbs up before eximing, "My wife is amazing!"


    They both knew that he didn''t mean that. But still, they both felt embarrassed.


    Amelia remembered the time when they were together. Whenever Lucian would call her his wife, she


    would be filled with joy. But now, hearing it again only caused her sadness.


    At quarter past three, the first guest came to the shop. It was Amelia''s foreign friend. He greeted


    Amelia in fluent Chinese. And like yesterday, he ordered a ss of lemon ck tea and a slice of


    tiramisu.


    Because he was a regr, Amelia was able to prepare his order a lot quicker. Her practice seemed to


    have paid off.


    "Wow! It''s so delicious. Not only are you a beautiful woman, but you''re also a wonderful cook," the


    foreigner uttered. The foreign friend was ecstatic about his food and gave a thumbs up to Amelia.


    Hearing the praise caused Amelia utter joy. His encouragement gave her the motivation to continue


    doing her best at work.


    "Thank you!" Amelia eximed with a big smile on her face.


    Lucian quietly sat at the corner table. He hadn''t seen such a charming smile on Amelia''s face for such


    a long time. For some reason, it ced a wide smile on his face as well.


    "Are you still single?" the foreigner suddenly asked.


    His question surprised Amelia. The smile on her face instantly went away. Then suddenly, a male voice


    behind her replied in a somewhat agitated manner, "She''s my wife."


    The foreigner looked right at Lucian. Then he raised his eyebrow in suspicion and asked, "I can already


    tell that you''re rich by what you''re wearing. But why do you let your wife work in a ce like this?"


    The foreign friend''s observations were subtle, but somewhat urate.


    Lucian stood up and walked towards Amelia. He then smiled and said, "Because she likes it." After


    that, he reached out his hand and intimately wrapped it around her waist.


    Amelia''s face was full of embarrassment but she still went along with Lucian''s act. Partly because she


    was still in shock by her foreign friend''s question.


    "So that''s why! I can see that you love your wife very much." The man smiled and added in a yful


    tone, "But be careful, if you leave your wife, I''ll go right after her."


    ''He is indeed a foreigner. No one here would be that outspoken,'' Amelia thought to herself.


    The blush on Amelia''s cheeks was still so apparent, so she lowered her head to try and hide it. She


    didn''t know what to do in these kinds of situations.


    "Even if she was single, she might not fall for you. After all, I''m the only one in her heart," Lucian


    answered with a serious look on his face.


    Amelia and Lucian were only inches apart, so she could deeply feel the sincerity in his words when he


    said that he was the only one in her heart.


    ''How could he be so confident?'' Amelia asked in her head. But he was right, he was the only man she


    loved.


    "Well then, may you have your baby soon and grow old happily together!" the foreign friend eximed.


    "Thank you for your good wishes and I hope you find a partner soon," Lucian replied with a gentle smile


    yet with a cold, hollow tone.


    After their conversation, the foreigner left. Then Amelia suddenly gave Lucian a resentful nce and


    scolded him. "He was my first customer. He gives me a lot of encouragement for my work. Now he''ll


    nevere back again because of what you just did."


    "He''s just a customer. If you need someone to encourage you, I''lle here every day if you want,"


    Lucian shamelessly replied with a brazen smile on his face.


    Amelia couldn''t help but step back. She then started to clean the table.


    "Amelia?" Carlotta, who was standing at the door, called hesitantly. It seemed like she didn''t expect to


    see Lucian there.


    Lucian winked at Carlotta and coughed. He then turned to Amelia and quietly whispered, "Amelia, we


    have a guest."


    Amelia turned around immediately and was about to greet the customer but realized that it was just


    Carlotta. She still smiled and warmly greeted her. "Carlotta, pleasee in."


    Carlotta was dressed in a cotton-linen attire. Her long ck hair was curled up with a hairpin. She


    looked simple but elegant.


    "Good afternoon, please take a seat," Amelia uttered. Carlotta looked at Lucian with a gentle smile on


    her face.


    "Uh..." Amelia didn''t know what to tell Carlotta.


    "Hello, I''m Amelia''s ex-husband. Your store looks wonderful and has quite a unique style. I''m sure a lot


    of customers usually love to spend their time here." Lucian calmly introduced himself.


    "Ex-husband?" Carlotta repeated in disbelief. Carlotta thought that Lucian seemed quite sly for


    immediately changing the topic after introducing himself as Amelia''s ex-husband.


    She raised her eyebrows and looked to Amelia to confirm if it was true.


    Full of embarrassment from what he said, Amelia red at Lucian.


    "Well then, thank you foring to One Meter Sunshine!" Carlotta joyfully said and reached out her


    hand.


    Lucian shook hands with Carlotta and thanked her for warmly weing him. He then turned to look at


    Amelia and asked softly, "Miss Carlotta, can I also shake hands with Miss Amelia?"


    Although it was quite a polite request, Amelia sensed that Lucian had other motives with that.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    She was worried about what Lucian might try to do. She was in no mood to be teased right now.


    In a moment''s hesitation, she immediately felt Lucian''s warmrge hands grab her own. She then


    looked up and suddenly met Lucian''s loving gaze. Her heart was up in knots. Her nervousness made it


    hard for her to breath.


    "Ahem, if you two continue to be some love birds, I might have to go and visit the other branches first,"


    Carlotta teasingly said. Carlotta then walked out of the shop and left on her bicycle.


    "Carlotta!" Amelia shouted, but Carlotta was already too far to hear her.

 Chapter 110 Seeking Justice

    Chapter 110 Seeking Justice


    Feeling embarrassed, Amelia let her eyes wander around, not daring to look back at Lucian.


    The soft music continued to y in the background. The two of them did not share another word with


    each other. Amelia was busy tending to her own business. Meanwhile, Lucian was just quietly sitting on


    his chair, finishing up the cake that was on his te.


    A momentter, Lucian''s phone rang. After giving a quick nce at the screen, he stood up and smiled


    at Amelia. "Take care of yourself. I''lle back tomorrow," he said.


    "Mr. Lucian, please cherish the people you have in your life," Amelia said without hesitation.


    With an even wider smile, Lucian walked up to Amelia and cupped her cheek in his hand. "Of course I


    will."


    "What? No... I''m sorry. I was talking about Miss Shelly. She really loves you," she hurriedly corrected,


    taking a step back from Lucian.


    Hearing this, Lucian''s face darkened, his eyespletely fixated on Amelia. "I can''t think about anyone


    else but you," he said in a clear voice, "I love you, and I know that you feel the same way. You can''t


    lead me to believe otherwise."


    When Amelia had spoken up, she was expecting that her rtionship with Lucian would be less


    complicated. But it seemed as if they were just back to where they were before.


    Meanwhile, in the Zhan Group... Vernon had been waiting in the reception room for quite some time


    now. When he saw Lucian arrive, he stood up immediately and looked at his former son-inw.


    "What can I do for you?" Lucian asked tly, gesturing Vernon to sit down.


    There was an uneasy look in Vernon''s face as he tried to guess what was going on in Lucian''s mind.


    Slowly, he finally sat down. "Thank you, Mr. Lucian," he said in a slightly hoarse voice, "I''m surprised


    that you remembered my birthday. You must have spent quite a lot."


    Lucian sat down across from Vernon, leaning back on his seat with his hands sped in front of him. "I


    did it for Amelia''s sake," he replied coldly.


    He was blunt with his words and tone even though he acted quite calmly.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Relief washed over Vernon when he heard this. "If you still love Amelia, why don''t you just try and win


    her back?" Vernon pressed.


    "You said that there was an emergency. Can you just tell me what it is?" Lucian asked impatiently,


    ignoring the question thrown at him.


    "Here is the thing. Mypany invested on several projects recently, and we are short of funds. I came


    here to talk about the turnover. What do you think--"


    "Is Jasper managing yourpany now?" Lucian interrupted before Vernon could finish.


    With a surprised face, Vernon nodded gingerly.


    "Sorry, I can''t help," Lucian stated with certainty.


    At first, Vernon could not figure out why Lucian had acted like this all of a sudden. Then, it hit him.


    Furrowing his brows, Vernon shook his head, "Can you please forget about Jasper''s past with Amelia?"


    He thought that Lucian was mad that Amelia and Jasper had been in a rtionship before.


    "Do you really think that''s why I can''t help you?" Lucian couldn''t help butugh bitterly. Then, he


    squinted his eyes coldly at Vernon. "Who pped Amelia? Was that Jasper or Ynda?"


    The expression on Vernon''s face changed dramatically. Apart from uneasiness, he was also a little


    afraid. "I-I''m sorry, Lucian," he stuttered, his lips trembling nervously, "I was the one who did it. It had


    nothing to do with Jasper and Ynda."


    "You... hit her?" Lucian asked through his teeth, his eyes darkening with anger, "And what exactly did


    she do to make you hurt her like that?"


    ''Damn this man!'' Lucian thought, remembering the red hand print on Amelia''s face, ''I don''t think I can


    ever forgive this bastard!''


    Vernon looked flustered. After a moment of silence, he slowly raised his head and looked at Lucian with


    his muddled eyes and exined, "Because she is not an honest woman. You know what I mean... She


    can''t even keep your marriage together."


    When Vernon said this, he was expecting that Lucian would side with him. But Lucian''s face got even


    more enraged. "Are you really trying to make your daughter look bad just so that you can get what you


    want?" he said with a sarcastic smile.


    It looked Vernon''s exnation made Lucian even more furious.


    There was no way Lucian would allow anyone to talk badly about his beloved, even if it was her own


    father.


    Vernon gulped nervously -- he did not expect that Lucian would still continue to defend Amelia even


    after everything that had happened.


    Quickly regaining hisposure, Vernon tried a different approach. "There''s an old saying," Vernon


    said somberly, "''A day together as husband and wife means endless devotion.'' If you don''t hate Amelia,


    there''s no reason why you shouldn''t get back together with her!"


    "Is that why your wishful thinkinges true?" Lucian answered with a cold face.


    Flustered andpletely nerve wracked, Vernon anxiously shifted in his seat. Guilt washed over his


    face as he realized that his main agenda was apparently too obvious.


    "Lucian, I know I''m a jerk, but I''ve always been looking out for Amelia. She''s just stubborn, and holds


    grudges against her mother''s death. It''s difficult to get close to her..." exined Vernon. There was


    impatience in his voice as he tried to defend his stand.


    "I can get you some money for your project turnover," Lucian sneered, "Only if you''ll let me hit you the


    saw way you hit Amelia."


    Surprisingly, Vernon''s face lit up a bit. Raising his eyebrows, he gave a prompt nod. "Very well," he


    said, "I''ll even do it myself."


    Vernon stood up and raised his hand, preparing to p himself hard on the face.


    "Stop," Lucian snapped before Vernon could strike himself, "Even if you hit yourself until you bleed, I


    will never give you a single cent."


    Disappointment fell on Vernon''s eyes. With his mouth turned down in annoyance, he thought of what


    else he could possibly say to Lucian.


    After a moment of contemtion, he looked back at Lucian. "It was Jasper," Vernon finally said, "He


    was the one who did it! I''ll make him apologize right away!"


    Lucian''s face darkened. "Bring him to me! Now!" he shouted, his knuckles turning white as he tightly


    clenched his fists.


    The power and anger in Lucian''s voice scared the hell out of Vernon. Nodding in panic, he fumbled for


    his phone in his pocket and tried to call Jasper.


    In order to get Jasper there as soon as possible, Vernon did not clearly say why he shoulde over


    to thepany -- Vernon only stated that he should go there as soon as he can so that they could get


    the money they needed for their project.


    Under half an hour, Jasper arrived at the reception room, his eyes filled with excitement.


    "Nice to meet you, Mr. Lucian," he greeted, going up straight to Lucian. With a beaming smile, he


    reached out his hand to shake Lucian''s hand.


    Lucian was sitting leisurely on the leather sofa, his face cold and distant. There was a hint of disgust in


    his eyes when Jasper greeted him. Leaning forward, Lucian picked up his cup of tea on the table,


    completely ignoring Jasper''s extended hand.


    Slowly, Jasper let his arm fall to his side, his smile fading. But he slightly shook his head and perked his


    smile back up, trying to look as enthusiastic as possible. "I just want to say thank you for helping us in


    our project, Mr. Lucian," Jasper continued.


    "Who said that I''ll be helping you?" Lucian said with a snort.


    At this point, the smile on Jasper''s facepletely disappeared. "Dad, what''s going on?" he asked,


    looking at Vernon with confusion all over his face.


    Vernon had told him over the phone that the investment fund for the project was hopeful, so he rushed


    over as quickly as he could. However, Lucian''s words annihted all the excitement he had just a few


    seconds ago.


    "Jasper, if you apologize to Mr. Lucian, things will get much easier for us," Vernon said sheepishly, his


    eyes glued on the floor.


    With his lips pressed into a fine line, Jasper looked back at Lucian, "I do not know what I did wrong to


    make you so angry, Mr. Lucian."


    Judging the way Lucian red at him, Jasper could tell how infuriated he was. Although Jasper''s tone


    was calm and polite, he was starting to feel a slight panic.


    Lucian continued to ignore Jasper. Taking a deep breath, he then picked up the telephone on the table.


    "Bring Eric in," he ordered coldly.


    A few secondster, Eric, Lucian''s assistant, came in with two other men in sleek, ck suits. Both of


    them looked very tough and muscr. The sight of them made Jasper''s heart jump in panic.


    "Mr. Lucian, you... What are you doing?" Vernon had kept his head low the moment the men entered


    the room. He was much too frightened to utter a single word.


    "Were you the one who pped Amelia?" Lucian asked, ring intensely at Jasper.


    "W-wait! Mr. Lucian, I..." Jasper stammered, hurrying to exin himself, "It was an ident, I swear! It


    was just a husband''s and a father''s instinctive reaction. Please don''t be angry. I know I was wrong."


    In truth, what Jasper did was definitely not an ident. He intended to p Amelia, and actually didn''t


    regret doing so. It just so happened that he was now driven to a corner. At this moment, Jasper tried to


    sound as sincere as possible, even though he wasn''t speaking the truth.


    "A man should never hit a woman," Lucian said, gritting his teeth. Then, the corners of his lips curled


    up. "Eric, this man hit Amelia. I want you to give it back to him twice as much!"


    Jasper looked at Lucian in disbelief. Quickly, he turned to look at Vernon, as if to ask for some help or


    for him to intervene.


    But it seemed that Vernon looked just as helpless as he did. Vernon looked straight at Jasper''s eyes,


    as if he was pleading Jasper to just go through with it so that they could finally get what they wanted.


    Two men in ck suit stepped towards Jasper, one on each side. In one quick movement, they raised


    their hands and hit Jasper''s face without a moment''s notice. Their hands fell hard on Jasper''s face. For


    a while, he was stunned into quiet. And then the pain quickly seared through his entire head.


    Groaning in pain, Jasper carefully touched his face, grimacing in pain. Both sides werepletely


    swollen and the corner of his mouth was trickling with blood. Aside from the pain, Jasper felt immense


    anger towards Lucian. But since they still needed something from him, there was nothing he could do


    but swallow his emotions.


    "Mr. Lucian, Jasper has already paid the price. How about that deal we were talking about?"


    Regardless of the injury on Jasper''s face, Vernon was eager to know if Lucian would finally help them


    out.

 Chapter 111 A Married Man

    Chapter 111 A Married Man


    "Yes, Mr. Lucian. I already took the hit so you better fulfill your promise," Jasper said, his tone full of


    resentment and pain.


    Lucian''s calm look turned into a re. Coldly he replied, "Is this how you respond when you''ve hurt


    others?"


    Jasper answered in a disapproving tone, "So what else would you have me do?"


    "Jasper, stop! Don''t say anything more," Vernon said in panic.


    Jasper tried his best to control his temper. Finally, he smirked and tried to tter Lucian. "Well, you''re


    the big boss of the city. Whatever you wish will be done."


    "I asked them to p you because of Amelia. You''ve done her something terrible and I wanted to even


    things out as her ex-husband. You have to apologize to her," Lucian said without any hint of


    expression.


    Jasper was having a hard time control his anger in front of Lucian. His face was beginning to turn red


    when he said, "You''ve already hit me. What else do you want? Why won''t you just let things go?"


    "Jasper, don''t..."


    "Dad! Why don''t you tell him the truth? The only reason I''ve been trying to put up with this guy is


    because of your stupidpany!" Jasper shouted as he faced Vernon.


    Vernon''s face contorted into a mix of shame and fear. He slowly turned to Lucian and said, "Mr. Lucian,


    I hope you can help me for the sake of our family."


    Lucian had never been cold-hearted. After Zhan Group went through its own financial crisis, Lucian


    knew what it was like to not have enough money. But what really got him upset was the fact that Jasper


    had pped Amelia and he did not show even a hint of remorse. And to top it all off, Jasper only took


    the hit so they could ask for capital for their project.


    "What family? Did you ever treat Amelia like she''s part of your family?" Lucian sneered.


    Speechless, Vernon merely frowned and looked at Lucian with pleading eyes. The whole situation was


    making the old man anxious.


    "Amelia is not..."


    "Jasper, enough!" Vernon snapped. With a smile that conveyed nothing but apology, Vernon turned


    back to Lucian and said, "You''re right, Mr. Lucian. I do owe Amelia an apology."


    Lucian raised an eyebrow. He was unconvinced of the old man''s sincerity so he said quite bluntly, "I


    don''t like beating around the bush. I will give you the funds and invest in yourpany, but only if you


    would own up to your mistakes and apologize to Amelia. In addition, you will no longer say anything


    that will hurt her for the rest of your lives. Otherwise, I will make sure that no business endeavor of


    yours would ever seed."


    Having said this, Lucian picked up his cup of tea and took a sip.


    His appearance of calmness intimidated Vernon and Jasper all the more.


    Vernon shuddered after hearing his threat. Jasper could only look helpless.


    Zhan Group may have gone through a terrible crisis but it was still the city''s leadingpany as it had


    been for years. It had a reputation for buying out any business that daredpete against it. No


    business owner in his right mind would dare go against Zhan Group or the repercussions would be


    dire.


    "We''re leaving now, Mr. Lucian." Vernon stood up and smiled. He didn''t want to make the situation any


    worse.


    "But what about the money, dad?" Jasper whispered.


    "You better do as he said and apologize to Amelia," Vernon sighed.


    Jasper looked like he wanted to protest, but taking his father-inw''s cue, he bowed in Lucian''s


    direction and went out.


    "Mr. Lucian, are you really going to help them?" Eric broke the silence once the two men had left.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Lucian''s face went darker. Without answering Eric''s question, he said as if he were speaking to himself,


    "Jasper just said something that got me a little confused. What would he have said if Vernon hadn''t


    interrupted him?"


    "Leave it to me, Mr. Lucian!" Eric answered, "The project is Jasper''s so he''s in urgent need of money.


    I''ll find out what he''s hiding."


    Lucian smiled and nodded in agreement. "I''ll leave it to you then, Eric. Oh, and help me set up an


    appointment with Edmund."


    Eric asked in confusion, "I thought you didn''t want to meet with Mr. Edmund? What made you change


    your mind?"


    As Lucian''s assistant, Eric always understood how Lucian''s mind worked, but he didn''t know why he


    suddenly asked for Edmund.


    "This is going to be fun, Eric. It''s time for the man hiding backstage to make an appearance." Lucian''s


    face was dark but his eyes had a sharp glint.


    Lucian stayed in the room for a long time after Eric had left. He couldn''t help but feel happy at the


    thought that he would soon be reunited with Amelia.


    It was almost midnight when the store''sst customer went away. Seeing that Amelia was tired from a


    whole day of working, Carlotta called to tell her not to clean up.


    However, Amelia still cleaned up the shop before leaving for home.


    There were no longer buses avable when Amelia stepped out, and she didn''t want to shell out much


    for cab fare so she opted to walk home.


    Amelia''s short sleeves were no match against the coldness of the night. Rubbing her exposed arms


    with her bare hands, Amelia walked quietly along the dimly lit avenue. Shivering as she made her way


    home, she felt terribly lonely.


    Thoughts of Lucian immediately flooded Amelia''s head.


    When she touched her belly, she mindlessly thought, ''Baby, your dad loves mom very much, but mom


    has to leave him...''


    She was trying to shake those thoughts off when a Porsche parked near the intersection caught her


    eye.


    A tall man wearing a white shirt got out of the car. Amelia instantly recognized him despite the distance.


    She felt as if her feet were made of lead as she couldn''t move from where she stood. She considered


    going the opposite direction to avoid him, but she quickly stopped herself.


    Lucian knew where she worked so it was not a surprise that he knew where she was. She wondered


    how long he had been waiting.


    She watched as he closed the distance between them. When he finally got to her, the light above his


    head cast a shadow on her face.


    She raised her eyes to meet his gaze. She tried to maintain a calm expression despite the loud


    thumping in her chest.


    "Put this on," Lucian said, his voice maic yet concerned. He handed her a big coat, which she took


    and wrapped around herself.


    Amelia could only blush. She looked up at him, but the light behind his head rendered his face dark.


    She wondered what his expression was.


    Pulling the coat over her shoulders instantly warmed Amelia. When she propped the cor up her neck,


    Lucian''s familiar scent wrapped her senses and she felt her empty heart swell.


    "It''ste. Why don''t you go home?" Her voice was as cold as the breeze.


    Moved as she was, she pretended to be indifferent.


    "How can I go home when you''re still out at this hour?" He reached out an arm to hold her.


    But Amelia was quick to avoid him. Offended, she red and said, "Mr. Lucian, please remember


    you''re married."


    With that, she turned and rushed away.


    Amelia''s pace was quick but it was no match against Lucian''s. He immediately caught up with her


    despite her efforts.


    He held her by the hand and without waiting for her approval, took her into his arms.


    Amelia felt butterflies in the pit of her stomach. She couldn''t move away from him.


    "You know very well who''s in my heart," Lucian whispered into her ear. The gentleness in his voice


    made her feel very nervous.


    Feeling Lucian''s body pressed to hers, Amelia was ovee with feelings of guilt. She struggled to


    break free from his embrace.


    She regretted not turning away once he saw him approaching. But she thought that it was better to


    stand there and wait for him than have him chase her.


    Lucian wouldn''t let her go despite her protests. The words out of his mouth went straight into her heart


    like bullets. Hearing him then dealt nothing but pain.


    She stopped resisting after realizing that it was useless to struggle. But when she spoke, her voice was


    like ice, "You make it impossible for me to live my own life. You''re pathetic and disgusting."


    Amelia was furious.


    Lucian''s face fell but he still wouldn''t let Amelia go. Stubbornly, he replied, "You can go ahead and live


    your life, but I''m not going anywhere. You can''t make me leave."


    Lucian did not mean to sound overbearing but Amelia thought his voice domineering.


    "I don''t want you in my life!" Amelia spoke through gritted teeth.


    Her words felt like barbed wire strangling Lucian''s heart.


    "You say that but you don''t mean it. I can''t do it, Amelia. My life is meaningless without you!" He almost


    shouted at her. The passion in his deration made Amelia feel uneasy.


    She knew it was all her fault. Not once did he betray their love. So much guilt filled Amelia''s heart that


    she thought it best for Lucian to just give her up.

 Chapter 112 Dont Make A Fool Out Of Yourself

    Chapter 112 Don''t Make A Fool Out Of Yourself


    Amelia didn''t know what to reply to Lucian. ''How do I get rid of this man!'' she thought, praying for divine


    intervention. After taking a deep breath, she decided that it was time to face him. Swiftly, she raised her


    head to look at him.


    The scene she saw scared her stiff and made her heart skip a beat. Right behind Lucian was Shelly,


    staring menacingly at her.


    "It''ste now. Let me send you back." Lucian told her, oblivious that Shelly was with them.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    After the initial shock had worn off, Amelia, who just came back to her senses, said in a very low voice,


    "Miss Shelly..." Her heart started beating incredibly fast and cold sweats began to appear on her


    forehead. It was as if her body was preparing her for the mess that was going to happen.


    Shelly stood hidden from the light. Despite that, Amelia could still clearly see the expression on her


    face¡ªcold, exasperated, dangerous. Even though Lucian was standing between them, she could still


    feel the sharpness of her re.


    Lucian was able to quickly pick up the fear clouding Amelia''s eyes. Because of that, he turned his


    heads towards the ce Amelia was staring at.


    "Lucian, you... How could you do this to me!" Shelly emerged from the darkness and into the light. Her


    eyes were already moist with tears as she pointed her fingers back and forth between Lucian and


    Amelia.


    "Miss Shelly, we are not..."


    "Shut up, Amelia!" Shelly shouted, her voice filled with anger and hurt. With her shaking hands she


    pointed at Lucian and Amelia''s interlocked hands, saying, "Did you really think that no one will notice


    that?"


    To appease the angry Shelly, Amelia quickly let go of Lucian''s hand. Unfortunately, that didn''t help the


    situation¡ªinstead, Shelly became more furious, it showed on her face.


    In contrast to an obviously panicking Amelia, Lucian looked very calm and collected. "Let me send you


    back first," he gently repeated,pletely ignoring Shelly and turning his gaze back to Amelia. This


    surprised Amelia.


    ''What is this guy doing?'' she thought,pletely scandalized by Lucian''s course of action. ''Is he trying


    to make everything moreplicated than it already is?''


    "Mr. Lucian," she finally said in a firm tone after a few moments of silence. "Could you please respect


    me?" She angrily stepped away from Lucian, ring at him as if to warn him against going anywhere


    near her. After doing that, she looked up at Shelly and bowed deeply. "Miss Shelly, I''m so sorry," she


    said. "I didn''t expect what happened. Please do not worry, this will never happen again."


    Lucian, however, was not having any of it. "Nonsense!" he bellowed, making the two women near him


    jump. "Watch yournguage, Amelia!" With defiance on his face, he started walking towards Amelia.


    "Lucian, you heard her!" Shelly shouted, running after Lucian and holding him back. "Don''t make a fool


    out of yourself!" Looking at the two people in front of her, Amelia couldn''t help but feel a pang in her


    heart.


    She wanted to hide and run away, but instead, she faked a smile and said in a heartfelt manner, "Mr.


    Lucian and Mrs. Shelly, I wish you all the happiness in the world."


    As she turned around to leave, she felt a hand mp down on her shoulder so tightly that it hurt. She


    knew it was Lucian, and so she tried her best to shake it off, but unfortunately, she couldn''t.


    After seeing what Lucian was doing, Shelly couldn''t help but shed some tears. "Lucian, are you really


    going to do this to me?" she loudlymented. Her voice was so full of sorrow and pain that even Amelia


    felt so deeply for her.


    Even if Amelia still loved Lucian with all her heart, she had repeatedly told herself that she would not do


    anything that would destroy his marriage to Shelly. At that moment, however, when she saw Shelly


    crying over what Lucian was doing, she felt ashamed. She felt like she was a mistress, and that she


    had done something wrong.


    "I''ll give you a chance to say what you want to say, but right now, I have to send Amelia home." Lucian


    did not care about Shelly, or what she was feeling. He wanted to send Amelia home, and he would do it


    no matter what happened.


    "I am not a child nor a ceramic doll. I don''t need you to send me home!" Amelia refused in anger. While


    she didn''t want to sound too harsh or direct, she decided that she had to be because she saw that


    every word Lucian uttered was driving a knife through Shelly''s heart.


    "I am worried about you!" Lucian shouted. He tried to grab Amelia''s hand but Amelia did not let him.


    ''This is bing ridiculous!'' Amelia thought, as she tried her best to avoid Lucian''s gaze.


    She was also embarrassed to look at Shelly''s face because she knew that no woman would feel good


    if a man took care of his ex-wife right in front of her.


    As these thoughts swirled inside her head, she felt more and more guilty.


    "Lucian," Shelly suddenly said. She had already stopped crying, but her voice was still quiet and shaky.


    "I think you''re right. Send Amelia home. It''s toote and I''m worried about her."


    Both Amelia and Lucian were shocked by what they heard. They turned to look at her and they saw


    that she was already smiling.


    "I remembered what you said to me," she continued, looking at Lucian. "You told me to be reasonable,


    here I am. I am allowing you to send Amelia home." Her voice was unnaturally sweet.


    Upon hearing what Shelly said, Amelia felt her temperature rise. Every word felt like a p on her face.


    She was ready for Lucian to say something¡ªfor or against her¡ªbut she was surprised with what he


    did: he put his arm around her and said softly, "Let''s go."


    It was something that she never thought he would do. It was a nice gesture, but again, she was not


    here to ruin Lucian''s rtionship with Shelly. With one swift turn, she turned around, and grabbed


    Lucian''s hand, dragged him towards Shelly, and put his hands on hers. "I told you, I don''t need it! My


    home is not far from here!"


    She just wanted this whole encounter to be over as her heart couldn''t take more. With that, she quickly


    turned around to go.


    Lucian''s face instantly changed. He let go of Shelly''s hand like it was something hot and ran after


    Amelia immediately. "It''s sote now!" he called after her. "How can I let you go back alone?"


    "What is wrong with you?!" Amelia shouted.


    She didn''t understand why on earth Lucian just wouldn''t let her go.


    Lucian seemed to have no intention of hiding his feelings. Amelia wanted to set boundaries with


    between them considering the rtionship they had now, but instead of clearing things up, it seemed


    like their rtionship became moreplicated, and her connection with Shelly became more


    strained.


    "Amelia!" Shelly called out. "I really don''t mind if Lucian sends you back. Just let him, please," she


    begged with all her heart.


    Amelia couldn''t help but feel a bit of pity when she heard Shelly. Because of that, she had no choice


    but to give in. "Fine," she said as she let out a big sigh. "But the both of you need toe with me,"


    she said, ring at Lucian as if to warn him to even think about saying no. He didn''t, and the three of


    them went ahead and sent Amelia home.


    "Okay, I am at home now!" Amelia firmly said after they arrived at her ce. Her tone was cold, and her


    face was devoid of any kind of emotion.


    "Good night, Amelia," Shelly said sweetly as she held on to Lucian''s arm.


    Looking at Shelly, Amelia forced a smile and said, "Thank you, Miss Shelly."


    She entered and traversed the yard with her head down. Even after she closed the door, she didn''t


    dare look back. ''I never want to see Lucian again,'' she thought, closing her eyes.


    After a while, she heard Shelly say, "Stop looking! She''s already closed the door!" Seeing that Lucian


    was reluctant to leave, Shelly felt as if a knife was piercing her heart. "Do you want to be known as a


    disloyal person?" she asked quietly, looking up at Lucian with eyes full of jealousy.


    With a sneer, Lucian answered, "Compared to what your father did, this is nothing."


    "You can have conflicts with my father in business! Heck, fight him to the death, I don''t care! But


    please, keep your marriage vows! Treat me as your wife!" Shelly responded, tears streaming down her


    face.


    Lucian looked down on the woman in front of her, but showed nopassion. "You know very well why


    we we''re married." A sneer was on his lips again. The woman was shocked, but he did not care about


    her reaction¡ªhe was already preupied by the ancient tree in Amelia''s courtyard. Even in the


    darkness, he could still feel its existence. It was as if Amelia had always been by his side and that she


    never went away.


    "Even if we married each other for business, I am still your legal wife!" Shelly shouted, her voice


    piercing through the darkness of their surroundings.


    Amelia was still leaning on her door, shocked by what she had heard. Every scream and sob that came


    out of Shelly sounded like warning rms, and guilt was once again filling her up.


    She stayed rooted on the spot she was in until she stopped hearing noise outside. Both heart and body


    were so exhausted that she went straight to bed without even washing up. As soon as her head hit the


    pillow, she fell asleep.


    The next morning, Amelia woke up with a nasty headache. Slowly, she recalled everything that had


    happenedst night. "Did those really happen?" she whispered to herself, still awed by the events that


    transpired. Soon, she got up and went to the kitchen to have coffee. There, she remembered that she


    wasn''t able to wash upst night, and so she quickly headed to the bathroom to take a bath.


    As soon as she came out of the bathroom, her phone rang.


    "Amelia?" the man on the other end of the line asked tentatively.


    Amelia removed the phone from her ear and nced at the screen to know who it was. ''Unregistered


    number?'' she thought, surprised. She then asked the person nervously, "Who are you?"


    "Wow. You can''t recognize my voice?" The man on the other end of the phone was obviously


    disappointed, but he added, "It''s Jasper, Amelia. I want to see you."


    "Oh! Sorry," Amelia said, a little bit embarrassed. "Also, I don''t have time to meet you, so that''s another


    thing I am sorry about." Her refusal came in with no hesitation.


    She did not want to see him not only because of the p, but also because she didn''t want to bring any


    trouble to herself.


    Ynda liked to make things hard for everyone on purpose. She loved to fight. Because of that, Amelia


    had vowed never to cross her path or anyone close to her, especially Jasper.


    "Amelia, I know that you are still mad at me, but there''s a serious thing I need to talk to you about. So I


    hope you cane back here to the Mo mansion," Jasper said, pleading.


    "I am not some essory to your n, Jasper. I know you only called me because you need me,


    nothing more, nothing less," she replied, annoyed. In the past, Jasper had easily influenced her,


    leading her to do anything he wanted. ''But in the end, I never got anything in return,'' she thought.


    ''Also, I think it''s best that we don''t have anything to do with each other now. I don''t have to pretend to


    find an excuse to reject him.''


    "But dad is sick! Come back quickly! Please!" Jasper said anxiously.


    This took Amelia by surprise. After a short silence, she asked quietly and seriously, "What? Father is


    sick? Where is he? Let me talk to him."


    Everything that had transpired between her and Jasper ruined her trust in him. She knew that he would


    do anything to make her do whatever he wanted.


    "Amelia," Vernon''s voice suddenly came through the phone. "Just...e here. I have something very


    important to tell you." Immediately after saying, he coughed incessantly.


    Amelia felt her heart breaking into a million pieces. Now, she had no choice but to go back.


    And since it wasn''t toote in the day, she decided to go back at that very moment to see what was


    going on.


    Every time she came back to the Mo mansion, she would be full of disappointed and go back home.


    But thinking of Vernon, she went back for safety.


    "Tell me your address, I''ll pick you up," Jasper said eagerly.


    "No, thanks. I''ll take a taxi instead." She didn''t want Jasper to know where she lived. It didn''t matter if


    he wouldn''t disturb her, he had no business knowing her address.


    After an hour, Amelia''s taxi arrived at the Mo family''s house. Jasper was already waiting for her at the


    mansion''s gates. He was wearing a colorful shirt, and upon seeing her get off the car, he immediately


    rushed to her. "Amelia!" he called out enthusiastically. "You''ve been sitting for a long time, haven''t you?


    You must be very tired. I''ll get your bags!"

 Chapter 113 A Family With Different Thoughts

    Chapter 113 A Family With Different Thoughts


    Amelia didn''t respond to Jasper. Instead, she merely nced at what Jasper was wearing and


    wondered to herself, ''I thought he didn''t like wearing colorful clothes? What the hell is he wearing


    then?''


    This didn''t go unnoticed by Jasper. In response, he tugged at his shirt a bit, a look of disgust on his


    face as he said defensively, "This is expensive, you know and it''s very trendy right now. Ynda


    personally chose this for me and I want to make her happy by wearing it."


    Amelia''s mouth twitched. She really didn''t care about Jasper''s fashion choices¡ªher concern was why


    he called her over in the first ce.


    "When your wife picks out clothes for you, you should be grateful." Amelia smiled.


    The smile on Jasper''s face froze. He reminded Amelia in a low voice, "If Ynda''s mom starts talking


    to you badly again, just ignore her."


    Jasper was being unusually kind to Amelia which made her confused. On the inside, she couldn''t help


    but snort to herself.


    As Amelia walked into the living room, the first person she saw was Sophia who was beaming at her


    enthusiastically. Sophia then greeted her warmly, "Amelia, I heard that you''d being so I cooked


    your favorite dishes today."


    At that moment, Amelia already figured that they needed something from her.


    This wasn''t how they normally treated her. On a regr day, they would re at her and make snide


    comments. This sudden change made Amelia feel nervous.


    However, Amelia keptposed. She fixed her gaze on the gorgeously dressed Sophia.


    "Is Amelia back?" Vernon said hoarsely, the excitement in his voice evident.


    Upon hearing this, Amelia couldn''t help but sneer. They were acting as if she hadn''t been home for ten


    years and it''s not like they ever treated her like this before.


    However, since Vernon was her father, Amelia raised her head and forced a wry smile as she watched


    Vernon approach her slowly.


    She found that it was exceptionally difficult for her to smile especially when Sophia was around. She


    didn''t really like hiding her emotions and it''s not like Sophia ever did anything to her that would make


    her want to smile.


    However, Amelia couldn''t deny that she preferred this over the usual Sophia who always looked like


    she wanted to strangle her.


    "Everyone''s here. Let''s eat," Jasper suggested.


    It was only a little after breakfast so it wasn''t really lunch time yet but Amelia didn''t protest. She was


    genuinely curious why Jasper called her toe over in the first ce.


    The three of them¡ªJasper, Sophia, Vernon¡ªhad vastly different looks on their faces. Jasper and


    Sophia were obviously excited about something which was a rare sight while Vernon seemed


    preupied with something despite the smile on his face.


    "Vernon, please wait for Ynda. She will be here soon." Sophia had a gentle smile on her face. Then


    she turned to Amelia and eyed her, in a tender voice, she spoke, "Amelia, would you mind waiting a


    little longer?"


    Amelia couldn''t help but be disgusted as she knew that Sophia wasn''t really like this. Coldly, she said,


    "Whatever."


    She didn''t mean to stay long. She was a bit taken aback by the warm wee she received as soon


    as she arrived.


    When Jasper called, it sounded so urgent as he imed that Vernon was sick. She rushed here right


    away that she wasn''t even able to have breakfast. However, now that she could see that Vernon was


    perfectly fine, she said frigidly, "Since my father''s fine, I''ll be heading out now."


    Even though these people were her family, she''d found it difficult to get close to them ever since Iris


    had passed away. Every second she spent here was torture to her.


    A trace of tension shed across Sophia''s face. She immediately turned to Vernon¡ªa meaningful look


    on her face.


    "Amelia, just have lunch with me before you go home. I have something to tell you," Vernon urged


    anxiously, frowning.


    Perhaps it was because her own father that had asked, but Amelia''s heart softened at this request that


    she couldn''t find it in her heart to deny his father of this.


    "Dad, mom, Ynda''s back. I have to go pick her up," Jasper said with a big smile on his face.


    "Go ahead!" Sophia answered. Then she turned to smile at Amelia, "They love each other so much that


    even though they see each other every day, they still like to do these little things. It''s so nice, isn''t it?"


    With that, Sophia let out a chuckle but quickly stopped when Vernon cast a re at her.


    "My God! I''m getting bigger by the day! I''m already so tired even if I''ve just taken a few steps," Ynda


    said loudly so that everyone in the room could hear her.


    Amelia looked at Ynda''s belly and couldn''t help but think how she would just be the same in a few


    months.


    This made her feel all giddy inside. She put on a smile which led Ynda to believe that it was for her.


    "Amelia, you''re here." Ynda then walked up to her and took her hand. She was already panting.


    "Jasper told me that it''s good for pregnant women to go out for a walk. So they came here by car while


    I walked. I felt so strong!"


    Ynda said proudly. Amelia smiled, nced at her belly and said, "You''re giving birth in two months.


    I''m sure you won''t have a hard time then."


    "Yeah, that''s right. Once the baby''s born, it''s time for Jasper to do his part. He can do all the work


    then." Ynda winked at Jasper.


    Rarely was Ynda ever this pleasant. Amelia didn''t really want to bother herself if it was genuine or


    not because either way, she preferred Ynda this way.


    "Well,e on now, we need to eat already or the dishes will get cold," Sophia reminded kindly, a


    smile pasted on her face.


    Amelia forced a smile back, unable to shake off the strange feeling in her heart.


    If this had happened long ago, would she have healed faster? Would she have been closer to her


    family?


    As Sophia served the dishes, Amelia couldn''t help but notice how delicious and appetizing all the food


    looked.


    Amelia had never tasted Sophia''s cooking before. When Iris passed away and Sophia moved in right


    away, Amelia only lived with her for a short while. Even then, Susan cooked all the meals as Sophia


    was always out, ying mahjong all day long. Whenever Sophia returned home, dinner had long gone


    and the only exchanges she ever had with Amelia were limited to insults and res.


    "Amelia, you''re so special. My mom never cooks, you know," Yndained as she eyed all the


    food on the table.


    "You''re right. I haven''t even tried her cooking!" Vernon added as he looked at the table, seemingly


    confused.


    "Well, I don''t think I really need to say it but neither have I..." Jasper smiled in embarrassment.


    Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.


    Blushing, Sophia stammered, "You... I... Enjoy yourselves!"


    Amelia didn''t know what to make of this.


    "Come on, let''s all toast for Amelia. Thank you foring home today." Vernon turned and raised his


    wine ss, smiling gently.


    Amelia nced at her ss filled with red wine and inwardly reminded herself that she shouldn''t be


    drinking since she was pregnant after all.


    Jasper, Sophia, and Vernon all turned to Amelia expectantly. Only Ynda was holding a ss of milk.


    They were waiting for her response. Amelia scanned the table and pointed to the ss of milk. "I still


    have to go to work so I can''t drink wine. I''ll just drink milk too."


    "Wine is what makes a meal good! We''re just really d to see you here today. Just one drink!" Vernon


    insisted, still smiling.


    "Dad, I really can''t drink." She wasn''t going to risk it as she had to take care of the baby.


    "Well, let''s just let Amelia drink her milk since that''s what she wants," Jasper suddenly said much to


    Amelia''s surprise. Out of instinct, she cast a nce at Ynda whose face shifted. Ynda probably


    felt Amelia''s eyes on her so she quickly smiled and nodded in agreement.


    "Well, we''re family and we don''t have to be so formal. Help yourself!" Vernon said good-naturedly as he


    lifted his ss and drank his wine.


    Amelia wanted to stop him but before she could even open her mouth, Vernon had already drunk his


    wine.


    "Dad, you''re not exactly in your best health. You shouldn''t be drinking too much." Her returning home


    was probably the happiest memory they all shared together. The more Amelia thought about it, the


    more upset she grew.


    "Amelia, let''s have a drink together." Sophia raised her ss of red wine, all the liquid swirling inside.


    Amelia smiled and raised her ss of milk.


    "I know I''ve said and done a lot of terrible things to you. I''m deeply sorry and I really hope you can


    forgive me. I hope we can be a real family from now on," Sophia said smoothly. After she spoke, she


    downed her red wine.


    Overwhelmed, Amelia bashfully took a sip from her milk. She couldn''t help but be moved at all of this¡ª


    Sophia had never liked her and here she was apologizing to Amelia.


    "Amelia, I''d like to propose a toast to you too!" Jasper stood up immediately, holding his ss of red


    wine. In an apologetic tone, he spoke, "I, too, have wronged you in so many ways. I won''t even ask for


    your forgiveness because I know that''s a lot to ask of you. However, I genuinely wish you a happy life."


    Like Sophia, Jasper drank his wine after speaking. Amelia then took a sip of her milk too¡ªstill unable


    to shake off the nervousness she was feeling.


    She just didn''t know what to make of all these people who had never been kind to her suddenly ask for


    her forgiveness and want to start anew. Naturally, she felt curious and overwhelmed.

 Chapter 114 A Family Or Not

    Chapter 114 A Family Or Not


    Would they make peace with her before resorting to force?


    Amelia narrowed her eyes at her so-called family members. She was d that she wasn''t drunk.


    "Amelia, even though I''m your elder sister, you''re more sensible than me. Let me give you a toast with


    a ss of milk. Please forgive me for whatever I did, and I hope we''ll call each other sister one day!"


    Ynda raised her ss of milk and gulped it down.


    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Amelia was stunned by Ynda''s words. Her bewildered eyes gazed at the girl sitting in front of her for


    a long time.


    ''She tried to heal the grudge I had against her with just one sentence?'' Amelia thought, feeling


    indifferent to the scene, just like a stranger.


    "Don''t just sit there. Let''s eat." Vernon''s voice was stern when he snapped Amelia out of her daze. He


    asked the servant to help her in getting her bowl of food ready.


    Sophia ate thest bite of her meal and turned to Amelia. "Do you and Lucian n to remarry?"


    Amelia''s fingers holding the chopsticks trembled. The dish fell onto the table. Her restless eyes closed,


    and she started taking deep breaths to calm her heart.


    "I don''t know." Her tone was cold, but she regretted answering the question. She should''ve ignored it.


    Jasper coughed to get everyone''s attention. "Let''s not dwell on such topics. Come on, cheers!" He


    raised his ss and swallowed his drink.


    In the CEO''s office of the Zhan Group, Lucian stood in front of the window with a hot cup of coffee in


    his hand. His deep-sea like eyes gazed on the brightened city below him.


    Eric walked into the office, cuddling documents in both hands. Before he spoke respectfully, his face


    sported a grave look. "Mr. Lucian, I have some clues about that matter."


    Lucia turned around and frowned, putting the hot coffee on the desk. He asked calmly, "Tell me all


    about Edmund''s dirty little game." His icy cold eyes stared at the files in Eric''s hands.


    Eric opened the file and handed a sealed document to Lucian.


    He expected Lucian to scream in rage after going through the document, but that wasn''t the case. Eric


    noticed a disdainful smile on the corners of Lucian''s lips.


    "We''ll see how long Edmund can maintain the rtionship with money." Lucian took another sip and


    continued to look at the document.


    "Edmund relies on his power. Shareholders weren''t delighted with what he had said in the board


    meeting. Most of them were even willing to withdraw their shares," Eric said sternly.


    Lucian''s icy look turned colder. "Back then, he took over the business from my father in the name of


    friendship and became the executive president of the An Group. He even managed to reach the top


    and forgot all about the help he had received from my father. And now, he wants to destroy the Zhan


    Group!"


    His fist tightened in anger after remembering Edmund''s past.


    "So, you were initially unwilling to ept An Group''s help during the crisis?" Eric''s eyes were filled with


    admiration.


    Lucian scoffed and turned the page. "Edmund deliberately put a bowl of poisonous chicken soup in


    front of me, and I ended up drinking it all."


    "I think you made the right choice." Lucian couldn''t lose his dignity just because he epted An


    Group''s help. Instead, it could be an excellent opportunity to fight back. That was what Eric


    thought anyway.


    Eric had been with Lucian for a long time. He had joined just after the establishment of the Zhan Group,


    and he knew Lucian too well. Eric was a perfect candidate for handling such matters.


    When the crisis happened in the Zhan Group, Eric had believed that Lucian could find a way out.


    "If you see through your enemy''s strategy, you can win a hundred battles easily." Lucian looked at the


    sky. The corners of his lips curved up. "This time, I''ll rip off his mask and destroy An Group once and


    for all!"


    "The major shareholders are ready to stand beside Zhan Group. After all, the Zhan Group is more


    sincere." Eric smiled.


    "We are sure to win, but we can''t rx. Before we get control, we must remain cautious." Lucian was a


    prudent man, but he was overly cautious this time. Edmund was famous for ying tricks under the


    table. Lucian couldn''t take him for granted.


    "I understand." Eric nodded. Just as he was about to leave the room, he remembered something and


    turned to Lucian. "Mr. Lucian, there''s something I have to tell you. I couldn''t get anything from Jasper."


    Lucian snorted, "Because he thinks that the start-up capital for that project is at hand."


    "Then, should we find some other way?"


    "No need. I''ve thought of a perfect n." Lucian didn''t believe that Jasper could be calm all the time.


    It was already noon after the meal at Mo mansion.


    Sophia guzzled arge bottle of wine. By the time she was done, she was too drunk to even walk in a


    straight line.


    Jasper was drinking the red wine and white wine. After he finished a few sses, his eyes became


    unfocused, and his speech slurred every time he began to speak.


    Even though Vernon had drunk two sses of wine, he was sober. When everyone went upstairs,


    Vernon stopped Amelia, asking her to sit in the living room.


    "I''m sure you must be wondering about why we were behaving like that." Vernon knew what was on


    Amelia''s mind.


    "What do you mean, dad?" She didn''t want to guess. In any case, she would only be more worried.


    Amelia had seen through his mind when they were eating. What shocked her was everyone''s


    enthusiasm on the dining table. Although she knew that Vernon hadn''t called her just for a meal.


    "Amelia, I know I shouldn''t have lied. But you could see how good they treated you today, couldn''t you?


    They aren''t yearning for those cat-fights anymore. Can you just forget the past and move on for me?


    We can all shake hands and be one joint family." Vernon''s voice was hoarse when he requested


    Amelia to forgive Ynda and Sophia.


    Amelia wouldn''t ignore him. If she did, she would be a narrow-minded person in the eyes of


    others.


    She just didn''t want to go against her own will. Ever since her mother died, Amelia had a knot in her


    heart that seemed to grow as the years passed.


    She had never done anything to make them unhappy. As long as they kept their distance, Amelia


    wouldn''t face much trouble. She was never interested in having a close conversation with Ynda and


    Sophia. Why should Amelia suddenly start considering them her family just because her father


    requested?


    "Dad, thank you for lunch. If there''s nothing else, I shall take my leave." She stood up, ignoring


    Vernon''s words.


    Vernon stood up in a hurry and blocked her way. "Amelia, why don''t you understand? If you and Sophia


    come closer, I don''t think this family can ever face rtionship issues in the future."


    Amelia wanted to roll her eyes at Vernon. "Why did you do it in the first ce?" Wasn''t her mother a


    part of this family? He wanted the whole family to be united, but was her mother alive? He had even


    forced Iris tomit suicide because of Sophia.


    Amelia''s face turned grave at this.


    "Child, you''re twenty-five, and you can live happily. Why are you set on dwelling in the past?" If


    Vernon''s voice wasn''t husky, Amelia would have assumed that he was ming her.


    Amelia raised her head and looked straight in his eyes. "You don''t have to tell me what to do. I''m my


    mother''s daughter, after all!"


    She knew about Vernon''s deeds from the start. Still, she finally decided to let it all out.


    "Okay, calm down. I know I overreacted. Can you forgive me? And weren''t you going back to work? Go


    ahead." Vernon''s heart was filled with anger after their heated discussion. But when he remembered


    the reason why he had called Amelia, he calmed down.


    Amelia bit her lower lip and stood up. "Please don''t get angry. I don''t want you to suffer from heart


    issues again."


    Her heart had several depressing words hidden deep inside, but she couldn''t say it out loud in front of


    her father. Amelia could only me herself for helplessness.


    Saying that she turned around and left, without giving Vernon another chance to refute. Just as she


    opened the door, she was startled. She could see a familiar red car standing outside the gate. Frank


    got out of the car and said with a smile, "Miss Amelia, please get in the car."


    "What?" Amelia hesitated and looked at the car. It was the same that Lucian had gifted back then.


    Although she only drove it twice, she still remembered the model.


    "Miss Amelia, Mr. Lucian wanted me to pick you up." Frank patiently waited for her reply.


    ''Lucian?'' How did he know her whereabouts?


    Her curiosity spiked, but she couldn''t say anything. She just shrugged it off and got in the car.


    "Mrs. Amelia... Uh... Miss Amelia, it has been a long time. How are you doing?" Frank pursed his lips in


    embarrassment. He called her "Mrs. Amelia" out of habit.


    Amelia''s lips twitched, but she calmly replied, "I''m all right. Thank you."


    "Mr. Lucian was worried about you. That''s why he asked me to drive you back." Frank nced at


    Amelia from the rearview mirror and turned back on the road.


    Amelia was indeed touched. But her face dropped the next second when she thought of the time she


    bumped into Shelly. A trace of guilt washed over her heart.


    "Thank you for the lift." Amelia bowed to thank him after getting out of the car.


    Frank smiled and shook his head. He turned around the car and drove away.


    "Wow! A free ride?" Carlotta''s lips curved up to form a yful smile. Her hands were clutching the


    handles of her bike, but her mind was focused on what Amelia was doing.


    Amelia turned around and nced at the nosy Carlotta. ''She doesn''t look like a 40-year-old woman at


    all,'' Amelia wondered. Carlotta behaved as if she was as young as Amelia.

 Chapter 115 He Is Loving Her Silently

    Chapter 115 He Is Loving Her Silently


    "A former friend of mine gave me a ride when we met on the road," Amelia exined as her cheeks


    turned red.


    "It¡¯s a huge advantage when a woman has a gorgeous face. If he¡¯s still single, you could consider it!"


    Carlotta teased her on purpose.


    Amelia opened the door of the shop widely and invited her in.


    Seeing Amelia¡¯s actions, Carlotta could not stop herself fromughing. "You¡¯re so naughty."


    Prior to one o¡¯clock in the afternoon, Amelia arrived in the shop. The moment she was about to clean


    up the bar counter, Carlotta suddenly asked her, "Amelia, was that handsome young man your ex-


    husband?"


    After hearing those words, Amelia¡¯s hand trembled when she held the ss. If she had not held it


    tightly, the ss probably turned into scattered broken pieces on the ground.


    In front of Carlotta, Lucian referred himself as "ex-husband". If Amelia denied she would be lying to


    Carlotta, so she just moved her head and nodded.


    After that, Carlotta stopped her hands from caring for the potted nts. Then she visited the bar


    counter and curiously asked, "How did you do that? Why are willing to divorce such a handsome


    husband?"


    Shocked by Carlotta¡¯s words, Amelia remained frozen. She could not even utter a single word.


    How did her heart manage to let go an excellent husband?


    "I am sure he is living the time of his life. He deserves to be happy," she answered uneasily, it felt like a


    stab in her heart.


    "But I saw it in your eyes, you really love him." Carlottaid her eyes on Amelia, as if she could read


    her mind.


    Trying to avoid the conversation, Amelia touched her face and forced a smile. "That¡¯s what you see? I


    don¡¯t think so. Maybe you need sses."


    Emptiness radiated in her eyes. She mocked herself for putting the act she made.


    "I experienced something before, so don¡¯t be too vague with me. You can share anything and I¡¯ll listen


    without judgment. Tell me what happened." Carlotta was determined to dig out secrets of the past.


    Finding a way to end the conversation, Amelia looked up at the clock and noticed there was still a lot of


    time left on her duty. There was no escape. She let out a deep breath and said, "Unlike other


    rtionships, we don¡¯t have an emotional foundation. Besides, he has his own life now. I am happy for


    him."


    "Although I¡¯m already 40 years old, I am updated about the news on the inte. I have read the news


    about your divorce with Lucian, some people cursed you because of it. I did not know you personally


    before, due to that I believed that you were like what they said. But after meeting you, I found out that


    they were wrong about you. I think there must be some reason for your decision right?" Carlotta said.


    Carlotta had known from Lucian, she asked Amelia again because she wanted to know Amelia¡¯s real


    feelings towards Lucian.


    In order to ensure Amelia¡¯s safety, Lucian spent a huge amount of money to own the shop. In addition,


    he asked Carlotta to find a suitable reason to shorten Amelia¡¯s working time. For a night shift, he also


    hired a waiter.


    "Carlotta, things were done. I don¡¯t want to talk about the past anymore because it won¡¯t change


    anything." Amelia looked embarrassed and forced herself to smile.


    "Alright, I were done talking about it, I won¡¯t even dare to mention it. But promise me, you¡¯ll be happy in


    the future because a woman who shines from within is the most beautiful!" Carlotta tried to uplift her


    mood.


    ncing towards Carlotta¡¯s optimistic face, a curve suddenly formed on Amelia¡¯s face and she said, "I


    hope I can have your positive thinking."


    "You are the sweetest!" Carlotta smiled. Suddenly, she remembered something important. She


    immediately said, "By the way, Amelia, I need to discuss something with you."


    "Carlotta, just say it. There won¡¯t be any problem as long as I can do it."


    "Okay, here''s the thing. I have so many shops at hand, I¡¯m getting tired every time I personally manage


    them. I want to sell this shop, but I worked hard for it for so many years it has a unique value for me. I


    really hope the person who¡¯s going to take over it knows its value well. Can you help me take care of


    it?" Carlotta was anxious about how she delivered things. If she said it too directly, it would have


    provoked suspicion of Amelia. Moreover, Lucian specially told her to keep it as a secret, so she tried


    her best to eliminate doubts in Amelia¡¯s heart.


    After hearing those words, Amelia was stunned. She moved her eyes around the shop and felt terrible.


    Although she had only worked in this shop for a short time, she still felt the unique ambiance of if like


    Carlotta said. If the new owner did not understand it, the style of the shop would probably change.


    "Carlotta, are you in a hurry to sell it?" Amelia wanted to buy the shop, however, she did not have


    enough money. Due to frustration, she frowned and felt bad.


    Seeing Amelia¡¯s reaction, Carlotta knew what she was thinking. She tried tofort her, she smiled


    and said, "Don¡¯t worry. If you are interested, you can manage it for a period of time. If the revenue is


    huge, I can give it to you."


    Amelia could not contain her excitement. But on second thought, it did not change the fact that her


    funds were not enough to buy the shop.


    "This shop is worth at least 150000 dors. The location is great for business since it''s close to a


    school. However, the monthly rent is more than 10000 dors," Amelia critically analyzed.


    "ording to your work performance these days, I believe you are equipped with the necessary skills


    to supervise this shop." Carlotta recognized her hard work.


    The shop was designed in a literary style. In addition, students were attracted because of its campus-


    like atmosphere. Thus, on weekend the shop was filled with customers, most of them were students.


    If she took over this restaurant, Amelia believed she had enough confidence and interest to operate it


    well. At the present moment, what bothered her most was how to gather enough money to buy the


    shop.


    "Carlotta, please give me some time. I think I¡¯ll need two more days. If I still can''t afford to buy this


    shop, I¡¯m going to directly release the sales information for you." With determination, Amelia nned to


    search for possible solutions.


    "Amelia, if you are concerned about the money, you don''t have to worry at all. You can borrow it. When


    you make a profit, you can cover up the amount you owe to me," Carlotta thoughtfully said.


    At first, she thought that Amelia had no intention to own the shop. Thus, Carlotta prepared two ns.


    But Carlotta was surprised that Amelia was interested in the shop, because that the second n did


    not work.


    "Thank you, Carlotta. I really appreciate your offer. If it is thest way, I will do as you say," Amelia said


    enthusiastically.


    "It''s Friday today. I am worried you can''t finish the work alone, so I specially hired a part-time student to


    give you a hand," Carlotta said.


    "Noted! Thank you," Amelia replied. Amelia had never encountered arge number of customers on


    weekends. Honestly, she was worried she would be too busy to amodate all the customers, so


    she felt relieved when she heard the news from Carlotta.


    Every weekday, seats in the shop were fully upied. However, it was Friday, there would be few extra


    tables outside.


    The newly hired sales girl was industrious. Even though she was young, she was a keen observer and


    was very polite towards customers. This was the first time they met, but she productively cooperated


    with Amelia.


    "Amelia, I''m exhausted, I feel sore all over my body. How about you? Are you okay?" The girl said


    breathlessly with her face on the bar counter after she sent thest guest away. She was named


    Nancy.


    It never crossed Amelia¡¯s mind that this Friday would be a blockbuster. Although she was a little tired,


    she thought of the ie and her weariness turned into joy.


    "You can take a rest first. I will clean up the shop." Amelia shed a smile.


    Instantly, Nancy walked up to Amelia while pointing her fingers at the clock on the wall and said,


    "Amelia, the boss said that you could get off work at nine o¡¯clock. It¡¯s already nine thirty, you can go


    now. I¡¯ll clean the house."


    "The boss told you? I am not informed about that." Confusion took over Amelia¡¯s mind. She was not


    pleased by how the events turned at all.


    "Yes, my boss said that you are upied with a lot of work daily. Besides, I am only responsible for


    bringing drinks and tableware to guests. I am also in charge of cleaning them. So Amelia, please don''t


    compete with me for my job." Nancy did not dare to speak one more word when she suddenly


    remembered what Carlotta had told her.


    "Well, if that¡¯s the case, let¡¯s do it together, so we can get off work together." Amelia confusedly picked


    up the duster cloth and continued working.


    Without any other choice, Nancy continued working at her pace, hoping to finish all the work left as


    soon as possible.


    It was ten o¡¯clock in the evening when they finished their work. At that moment, Amelia found out that


    Nancy also lived near the house she rented. She felt happy because they could go home together in


    the near future.


    "Amelia, I hope you won¡¯t make fun of me. After two years, I will graduate from the university. My


    boyfriend is paying my current apartment. He is very kind and loving to me. We already talked about


    getting married after the graduation," she said. The two went back hand in hand. On their way, Nancy


    happily shared her love story with Amelia.


    Nancy was tall for a 20-year-olddy with fairplexion, she also had a little baby fat on her face.


    When she smiled, she looked warm but her voice was characterized by excessive breathiness.


    ncing at her, Amelia was reminded of her twenties. At that time, she met Jasper, the man who gave


    his word that he would serve and protect her with love for a lifetime. Just like Nancy¡¯s boyfriend, Jasper


    also rented her an apartment when she was in the university and promised to marry her after


    graduation...


    However, five yearster, he cheated on Amelia and married her stepmother''s daughter. Due to the


    pain she experienced in the past, she was worried Nancy would have the same fate with her when


    Nancy shared happiness with her.


    "Nancy, cherish your own happiness. I wish you all the best," she said. Despite her worries, she still


    encouraged Nancy. After all, every love had a different twist and turns. There was never an identical


    love story, the level of happiness and sorrow varied. From the look of Nancy, she felt a strong sense of


    contentment.


    After saying farewell to Nancy, Amelia went back to the house. The instance she saw the lights on the


    yard were on, she was delighted.


    When Mrs. Chen knew that Amelia got off workte at night, she specially left amp in the courtyard


    for her. The moment she opened the door and saw the light, her heart was warmed.


    After hearing the door opened, Mrs. Chen walked out and kindly said, "Amelia, you''re home. I prepared


    some porridge for you. Pleasee and have some."


    "Mrs. Chen, it''ste. Why are you still awake? You should be resting now." Amelia followed Mrs. Chen


    and saw her holding a bowl of steaming porridge from the kitchen.


    Carefully, Amelia took the bowl over with both hands. Moved by the situation, she was unable to speak.


    "I hope you¡¯ll enjoy the food. You should pay more attention to your nutrition during your pregnancy.


    Always think about the baby in your belly," Mrs. Chen said seriously.


    At that moment, Amelia couldn''t help touching her belly. She nodded and finished her porridge.


    "You¡¯re going to be a good mom." Seeing that Amelia ate up all the porridge, Mrs. Chen smiled with


    ease.


    "I am beyond grateful to you, Mrs. Chen," Amelia said. Amelia always felt she was blessed to meet so


    many nice people.


    "My silly girl, stop being formal with me. After you move in my house, I find the life so interesting," Mrs.


    Chen replied then a curve formed on her lips.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.

 Chapter 116 Courtney Bought The Milk Tea Shop

    Chapter 116 Courtney Bought The Milk Tea Shop


    After a long chat with Mrs. Chen, Amelia returned to her room and washed up. Apparently, they had


    talked the whole night for it was already midnight.


    Amelia had meant to call Courtney to ask if she had some money to spare. However, realizing that it


    wasn''t a small amount she needed, she thought better of it.


    Nheless, she received a call from Courtney, who was inviting her out for a meal.


    "Aren''t the weekends a good time for making money? Why are you asking me out?" Courtney''s shop


    was full on weekends, and Amelia had no intention of taking her time or being in her way.


    "We haven''t seen each other for days, and I miss my godson!" Courtney said eagerly over the phone.


    "You can see only me, though," Amelia replied coldly.


    "Alright, alright. I don''t have time to argue with you. Open the door. I''m right outside!" Courtney urged


    impatiently on the other end of the line.


    "Really?" Amelia opened the door and found Courtney standing there, carrying bags of various sizes.


    Upon seeing Amelia, Courtney seemed like she had finally found someone who could free her from all


    her suffering. She took a deep breath and said, "Come on! Take me inside!"


    As Amelia took her bags from Courtney, she saw her turn around and stagger toward more luggage


    near the ancient tree.


    Confused, Amelia asked, "Are you moving?"


    Her friend not only had many bags in her hands and arms. She now pushed arge suitcase as well.


    "That''s right. I''ve brought my luggage here!" Courtney exined as she pushed the suitcase into the


    room.


    Amelia murmured something. She quickly followed Courtney into the room and inquired, "Did you


    quarrel with your father again?"


    In the past, Courtney had done the same thing. She had often sought Amelia''sfort whenever she


    had some misunderstanding with Kent or her father.


    "My dad and I are in good terms right now," Courtney responded. She picked up the bottle of milk


    sitting on Amelia''s bedside table, took off the lid, and drank it all up.


    "What''s the matter then?" Amelia prodded. Courtney had broken up with Kent. Amelia couldn''t


    understand why she was here being sulky. Then, remembering a name that Courtney had mentioned a


    few days ago, she asked, "Is this about that Mr. Shang?"


    Courtney rolled her eyes at Amelia and replied sourly, "No wonder they say that pregnant women are


    overthinkers."


    "Tell me, what on earth happened to you?" Amelia kept asking worriedly.


    Of course, Courtney understood what Amelia was thinking. To ease her friend''s worry, she told her the


    truth. "To be honest, I''m here because I needforting. Mr. Shang is a good man, but I''m not


    interested in him at all. My heart still belongs to the other, heartless guy."


    After Courtney said that, Amelia fell silent.


    Deep inside, she felt sad about the fact that Courtney and Kent had been together for so many years.


    How had Courtney been able to let that go just like that?


    "What about your milk tea shop?" Amelia couldn''t imagine giving up a business venture for emotional


    reasons, but somehow, she understood. Courtney could live off for a time on the Lin family''s wealth.


    "I''ve sold the milk tea shop. I want to find a job near you!" Courtney eximed joyfully.


    "You sold the shop?" The sudden change in Courtney''s demeanor surprised Amelia. Frowning, she


    said, "You ran that shop for a long time. How could you sell it so easily?"


    "You know that I opened that shop because of that bastard, and now, we''re no longer together. Why


    would I hold on to something that reminds me of him?" Courtney said casually, rolling her eyes.


    Amelia thought about it, and perhaps she agreed with what Courtney had just said. However, that shop


    had been the fruit of Courtney''s painstakingbor for so many years. Understandably, she was


    emotionally attached to that ce. To avoid making her sad, Amelia stopped asking about it.


    "This ce is some distance from downtown. What kind of job are you looking for?" she asked. To


    cheer Courtney up, she had decided to change the subject.


    "Well, I''ve been in a managerial position for several years. As such, I don''t want to live a life following


    orders, so I want to continue doing what I''m good at." Beaming with delight, Courtney held Amelia''s


    hands.


    Thetter had no idea why the other was so happy. Seeing the smile on Courtney''s face, however,


    Amelia thought about how she had a pessimistic view of everything. For a moment, she wished that


    she could be as free and easy-going as Courtney was.


    "You want to open a milk tea shop?"


    "That''s right! I can buy a new store with the money that I earned from the one I just sold. When you


    have some free time, let''s go around and look for opportunities," Courtney expressed openly.


    "Oh, my God! You won''t believe what I''m about to tell you," Amelia eximed. She ced a hand on


    her forehead and gave Courtney the good news. "Do you know where I work? Our boss is going to sell


    our shop. I want to buy it, but I''m short of cash. If you really want to operate a new milk tea shop, you


    can buy hers! Her shop is in a good location, and I''m sure that you''ll make just as much, if not more, in


    it than you did in your previous shop."


    "Really? If that''s the case, that''s great!" Courtney said, jumping for joy.


    "I''ll call my boss, and you can talk to her!" Amelia replied with equal excitement. She felt so self-fulfilled.


    It was as if she was protecting something that she loved.


    That same afternoon, Courtney and Carlotta both signed the contract, making Courtney the new owner


    of the shop.


    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    "You two love each other so much. I''m sure that your business will flourish!" Carlotta said as she was


    about to leave.


    "Thank you for your encouragement and consideration," Amelia replied, reluctant to leave Carlotta.


    Carlotta, deeply moved, smiled gently. At the same time, she couldn''t help teasing, "Lucian treats you


    really well. If he wants to patch things up, why not give him another chance?"


    What was this? What did Carlotta suddenly mention Lucian?


    Since Courtney and Carlotta were thinking the same thing, Courtney cleared her throat and said, "I still


    think that Lucian is her Mr. Right. And I know for a fact that someone in this room is always thinking


    about him but won''t admit it!"


    Amelia was slightly rmed. These two people seemed to have the exact same sentiments.


    Feeling confused, she lowered her head. She sighed and thought, ''Even if we love each other dearly,


    we can''t be together anymore.''


    "Well, you can go on with your work. I have to check up on the other stores at the moment. I''ll drop by


    when I have time!" Carlotta stopped making jokes when she saw that Amelia''s attitude had changed.


    Before leaving, she gestured for them to cheer up.


    "Shall we celebrate tonight?" Courtney asked, changing the topic so that Amelia would no longer feel


    bad.


    The purchase was worth celebrating, so Amelia immediately nodded her agreement. Then, at the


    sudden realization that she was pregnant, she took it back. "Oh, that''s right. I can''t drink."


    Courtney then looked at her disapprovingly. "Save it!"


    "I really like how this shop looks," Amelia said. Upon finishing everything that she needed to do at work,


    she looked around the shop, admiring every angle and corner of it.


    Courtney nodded her agreement and smiled. "You''ve always had great taste, and I want to go my own


    way as well. Once this shop has made enough money, I''ll start my own business with my share of the


    profits. I''ll leave this shop to you. How does that sound?"


    "You want a new shop?" Amelia looked at Courtney with disbelief. Then she turned to look at the shop


    with a look of adoration stered on her face. She could not be any happier than she felt now. "If I


    work more, I won''t have to worry about my baby''s milk."


    "You''re indeed a mother, always thinking about your child, no matter what!" Courtney couldn''t help but


    praise Amelia.


    Thetter didn''t say anything but simply smiled contentedly.


    "Hey, do you really want to be a single mother all your life?" Courtney asked all of a sudden. She knew


    that it wasn''t an easy topic to talk about, but at this moment, as there were no people about, she finally


    asked Amelia. Personally, Courtney didn''t care about what other people thought of Amelia, but she


    wanted to know what her friend really thought. This way, she could give aplete report to Lucian


    who had enlisted her help.


    Amelia''s face darkened. She pressed her lips together and put her hands on her belly. She felt a sting


    in her heart, but she knew that she would take good care of this child, even if she had to do it by


    herself.


    "Never mind. Let''s not talk about such difficult questions right now. After all, you have nothing to fear,


    and I''ll look out for you from now on!" Courtney said, taking her question back. She felt sorry and didn''t


    want Amelia to feel bad. For now, she gave up the thought of getting to the bottom of things.


    Meanwhile, in the An mansion, there was amotion.


    "What good are you? You can''t even attract a man!" Edmund yelled as he pointed a finger at Shelly. In


    his fury, he threw a pile of documents onto the ground.


    Shelly was so frightened that she trembled all over. Sobbing bitterly, she said, "Dad knows that Lucian


    isn''t attracted to me. No matter how hard I try, he still loves Amelia!"


    Upon hearing that name, Edmund grew red with rage. He paced back and forth in the living room. He


    barked, "Imagine! That ordinary-looking woman won Lucian''s heart!"


    "Not only Lucian. My brother, too, ispletely fascinated by her!" Shelly confessed. She wiped the


    tears off of her face and had stopped sobbing. "My brother has always been at odds with you. He said


    he didn''t care about An Group''s property, but now, because of that immoral woman, he might be


    determined to pursue the An Group!"


    Edmund, who was paranoid and insecure, had often been worried about his family. He had always


    been deeply affected by what people thought about An Group. Hearing what Shelly had just said, he


    was ovee with anxiety. Frowning, he said, "If Jonny wants to be an ungrateful bastard, then let him


    be. I''ll no longer care about our father-and-son rtionship!"


    Shelly had seen Edmund lose his temper more than once in the previous years. She had seen it in the


    way he beat Emma. He was so horrible that she didn''t even dare to breathe now. Whenever she came


    face-to-face with him, she echoed almost every word he said. It was almost as if she wanted to share


    his anger and his thoughts so that she could finally have her ce in the An family.

 Chapter 117 I Am Your Wife

    Chapter 117 I Am Your Wife


    It was a quiet evening at SJ Garden. Shelly was wearing a beautiful, pink dress adorned with intricate


    lace. For the past half hour, she had been busy arranging a candlelight dinner for her and Lucian.


    "Lily, get me the roses I had delivered from France!" she shouted, not looking up from the table.


    Lily was standing close by.


    There was something going in her mind as she stared coldly at Shelly.


    Looking up, Shelly noticed that Lily had not moved an inch. "Hey! Are you deaf? Do I need to tell you


    twice? Bring me the roses that came in today!" Shelly shouted impatiently, ringly angrily at Lily.


    "Ah.. Y-yes, I''ll be right back!" Lilt stammered, finallying back to her senses. Sighing begrudgingly


    to herself, she went downstairs to get the roses.


    Ever since Shelly moved in at SJ Garden, Lily was shouted at nearly every day. At some point, she


    already wanted to quit her job. However, Lucian had told her that he was working on getting Amelia


    back soon. That was enough reason for Lily to endure Shelly for the meantime and keep working at SJ


    Garden.


    Lily was not ainer. Even though Shelly constantly scolded her, she did not want to tell Lucian


    about it. After all, Lucian was already busy and preupied with work.


    Since Shelly arrived, she had been sleeping in the guest room. With all her might, she tried to get


    closer to him -- calling him honey and generally being a loving wife. But no matter what she did, Lucian


    never smiled at her, nor did he respond to her with the same amount of endearment.


    Although the vi had gotten much livelier, it was really far from pleasant. ''It''s as if Shelly''s doing a solo


    performance around here,'' Lily thought to herself resentfully.


    Even Lucian tended to avoid Shelly as much as he could. Every night, he would intentionallye


    back from work after dinner so that he wouldn''t have to eat with Shelly. Eventually, Shelly started


    making dinner at ater time. Lucian had no choice then but to eat outside just so that he could spend


    as little time as possible with Shelly, making her incredibly sad and disappointed.


    ''When will this woman realize that things will never go her way if she forces it too much?'' Lily thought.


    The more Lucian rejected her, the more Shelly pushed even harder, trying everything she could


    possibly think of to be closer to him.


    Now she even bought a bouquet of French roses to surprise Lucian.


    With a cold re, Lily couldn''t help but think that the flowers might appall Lucian more than it would


    surprise him.


    "Miss Shelly, it''s almost time for dinner," Lily said, handing the roses to Shelly, "I have to go prepare.


    Call me if you need anything else."


    Turning around, Shelly looked at Lily in indignation. "Excuse me? How many times have I told you? I''m


    Lucian''s wife now! You should address me as Mrs. Shelly!"


    "I..." Lily stammered. But in her heart, she was screaming, ''Mrs. Amelia is the real wife of Mr. Lucian!''


    "And what exactly were you about to say just now?" Crossing her arms over her chest, Shelly red


    unhappily at Lily.


    "I... I was just thinking about how pretty the roses are!" Lily answered quickly. At this point, she just


    didn''t want to argue with Shelly any longer.


    "Damn.. What kind of servant did Lucian employ? How pathetic and stupid!" Shelly snorted. With that,


    Lily did not say another word, and went to the kitchen with her head down low.


    Later that night, Lucian came home just in time for dinner. ''Ah! Mr. Lucian is early today!''


    "Mr. Lucian... You are back." ''Did hee back home early for the candlelight dinner Shelly prepared?''


    Lily thought.


    "Is dinner ready?" Lucian asked, loosening his silk tie.


    "Yes! Dinner is ready!" Lily hurriedly said. It had been quite a long time since Lucian came to SJ


    Garden to have dinner.


    Lucian paused and looked around. "Where is Miss Shelly?" he asked coldly.


    "She..." Biting her lip, Lily thought whether or not she should tell him the truth. ''If Shelly''s n worked


    and Lucian was moved by her gesture, Mrs. Amelia might never get the chance toe back!''


    "Is there something wrong?" Lucian asked, ncing up the staircase with his deep eyes.


    "Miss Shelly is not feeling well today!" Lily lied hurriedly, "She said she didn''t want to have dinner with


    you so that you wouldn''t get sick as well. You should go eat now, Mr. Lucian. The food is starting to get


    cold!"


    "She''s sick?" Lucian casually asked. There was not much emotion or concern in his voice and


    expression. It was as if he was just asking for the sake of knowing.


    It wasn''t easy for Lily to lie. But she had to make up an excuse to avoid Lucian and Shelly from having


    an intimate moment together.


    "It''s not that serious. Mr. Lucian. If you''re worried about it, you can go upstairs and check on her. What


    do you think?" Lily suggested tentatively.


    "No need. Let''s eat." After washing up a bit, Lucian sat at the dinner table and quietly enjoyed his meal.


    Meanwhile, Lily stood close by. There was a smile of satisfaction on her face. Whenever she made


    dinner, Shelly would always find a way to insult or scold her. It came to a point that Lily would cook so


    many different dishes in the hopes that Shelly might like at least one. Lucian, on the other hand, never


    commented on her cooking, whether he liked it or not.


    "Mr. Lucian, can I ask you something?" Lily asked in a low voice.


    Raising his eyebrows, Lucian put down his chopsticks. "What do you want to ask me?" he inquired as


    he refilled his bowl with soup.


    "You..." Taking a deep breath, Lily tried to muster all the courage she had. "When will you take Mrs.


    Amelia back?"


    Lucian''s eyes widened slightly in surprise when he heard Lily''s question. After taking a sip of his soup,


    he looked at Lily with a soft look in his eyes. "Don''t worry. She''ll be back here soon enough."


    "I''m so happy to hear that! I''ll finally be able to see Mrs. Amelia again," Lily said as she burst into a


    delightedugh.


    "Not too loud, Lily," Lucian reminded.


    "Yes, of course. Sorry," replied Lily, making her voice softer. Her cheeks flushed pink as she tried to


    restrain her smile. "Once Mrs. Ameliaes back, you will finally be one, big happy family with your


    baby! I''m so d!"


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Hearing this, Lucian couldn''t help but smile himself.


    "Lucian... Honey? You''re back!" The warm and happy atmosphere was ruined the moment Shelly


    walked down the stairs.


    With a resentful look on Lily''s face, she went into the kitchen and got a set of tableware for Shelly.


    "Well, what do we have here? This servant seems to be a lot more unqualified than I initially thought. If


    I didn''te downstairs, I would have never known that dinner was ready. What did you want to


    happen? Did you want me to starve to death?" Shelly angrily questioned Lily.


    Lily''s face went pale. It was not because she was afraid of Shelly, but rather she felt ashamed that


    Lucian had caught her lie.


    With a quick nce at Lily''s direction, Lucian knew that Lily was up to something. "I was the one who


    told Lily to get dinner started," he said with a frown, "If you have to get angry at anyone, it''s me."


    Shelly was stunned. She didn''t expect that Lucian would say something like that. "Lucian, we''re


    husband and wife," sheined with a pout, "Can''t you be a little nicer to me?"


    With a sigh, Lucian put down his bowl. The appetite he had earlier waspletely ruined because of


    Shelly.


    "What''s wrong with you? I can''t even have a decent meal around you without getting exhausted!"


    Lucian exasperated.


    Hearing these words, Shelly immediately changed her mood. She walked over to Lucian and put her


    arms around his shoulders. "I was preparing a surprise for you the entire day," she whispered beside


    his ear, "Don''t be mad at me please. I''m sorry. It''s all my fault, okay?"


    With a frown, Lucian looked at her in disgust and unconcealed anger.


    He used to see Shelly as his sister, but now, her ability to pester others had already made him deeply


    repulsed.


    Going back to SJ Garden brought upon a lot of happy memories he had with Amelia. But then he would


    remember that Shelly was the one who was there now and it annoyed him deeply.


    The past few days, he was thankful for the amount of work he had because that would mean less time


    at home. However, all the meetings he had to go to made him too exhausted. Lucian just wanted to eat


    dinner and get some rest. He had prepared himself to interact with Shelly, but he didn''t expect that he


    would still be this irked by her.


    "Good. Now that you know you''re wrong, let go of me," Lucian said in a low voice, showing no room for


    negotiation.


    "Okay, okay. I''ll let go. Don''t be angry..." Hearing these words, Shelly loosened her hands immediately.


    "Lucian, my father called me today and asked me if you treat me well," she continued, "I said that you


    do."


    Just when Lucian thought Shelly couldn''t get any more irritating, she mentioned Edmund. Lucian didn''t


    really want to talk about him at any given context. "What are you trying to say? Do you think you can


    make me treat you better through your father?" he scoffed, turning around to look coldly at her.


    Shelly had thought that Lucian would be nicer to her because of his awe towards Edmund, but it turned


    out to be the opposite.


    She was frightened by Lucian''s angry look and stepped back. When she leaned against the table, she


    looked at him in desperation. "Lucian, don''t get mad. You''re starting to scare me..."


    Lucian stood up and took his gaze away from Shelly. "Don''t ever try to fool me," he warned coldly.


    "Okay," Shelly meekly replied. With that, Lucian started to head upstairs.


    Suddenly, she remembered of the candlelight dinner she had prepared. Hope was rekindled on Shelly''s


    heart. Pushing Lily aside, she quickly ran upstairs with Lucian.


    When Lucian opened the door to the bedroom, he was shocked to see all the things Shelly had


    prepared. After a short while, a wave of anger suddenly rushed through him.


    "Lucian, do you like it?" Shelly stepped forward and shook Lucian''s arm like a spoiled child. She didn''t


    notice the anger on Lucian''s face at all.


    "You have ten minutes to clean all of this up," Lucian said through his teeth.


    "What..." Shelly stammered, her face falling. "I spent the whole day on it," she said as she bit her lip, "If


    you don''t like it, it''s really fine by me. But how can you just ask me to throw it all away so easily?"


    In the past, she was naughty and self-willed and Lucian would tolerate her. But now, they were a


    couple and he should have been closer to her. However, he just looked down on her as if she was his


    enemy.


    "Fine. If you want to keep it that much, move it all to the guest room," Lucian frowned.


    The way he had been treating Shelly made her feel like a fool.


    "I''m your wife!" she yelled at him, "Don''t you feel a little bit of guilt whenever you asked me to go back


    to the guest room?"

 Chapter 118 Fight Against Edmund Together

    Chapter 118 Fight Against Edmund Together


    Today''s incident really had hurt her. She didn''t understand what wrong she did today. Every time she''d


    made an effort to win over his heart, he''d always let her down. And today it all went out of hand. He did


    not only not appreciate her efforts, but also got angry at her. It was really unbearable for her.


    "You should''ve been aware of the rejection you''d face when you wanted to marry me." Lucian''s cold


    voice cut through the silence.


    Her angry gaze shifted to Lucian as she yelled aloud, "Oh? Now it is my fault? If you''ve forgotten


    Lucian, it is you who have cheated on me for Amelia. You continued meeting her in secret even after


    gotten married to me." She gritted her teeth. "Now know this, Lucian. You can only be with her in secret


    for the rest of your life. Because even if I die, I would never ever give you divorce." Shelly bellowed


    before leaving the bedroom.


    After the door closed with a loud thud, Lucian''s anger subsided slightly. His restless eyes wandered


    around the room, observing everything that was arranged by Shelly. It even made him feel inexplicably


    irritable. How did he end up here! He sighed.


    Their families were in good terms with each other for many years, and to be honest, he had always


    treated Shelly like a little sister. Even if she was a little headstrong, he always behaved more tolerant of


    it. But now that they suddenly became a couple, it was beyond his eptance. And as a result, his


    attitude towards her turned harsher.


    He summoned Lily and asked her to clean the bedroom.


    When Lily entered the room, she instantly realized what might have happened. She took a quick nce


    at Lucian and saw him smoking. He was half reclined on the sofa and staring nkly ahead of him.


    She didn''t interrupt him and immediately started cleaning the mess Shelly had made to create a


    romantic atmosphere.


    Lily seldom saw Lucian smoking. So, when she saw him smoking, she knew right away, he wasn''t in a


    good mood.


    After cleaning the room, she went downstairs and made a cup of tea for Lucian. When she reentered


    into his bedroom, Lucian was in the same position, thinking something deeply. His brows had curled in


    perturbation. She gave him the tea quietly which he took. As she turned to leave, she had this urge to


    help him. So, she suggested to Lucian, "Mr. Lucian, if you''re missing Mrs. Amelia, you can go and see


    her. She is also missing you."


    Hearing the name of Amelia, Lucian nced up immediately. He anchored his attention on Lily and


    said in a hoarse voice, "Lily, can you please make some chicken soup tomorrow morning. I''ll go meet


    her."


    "Sure sir." Lily nodded with a bright smile.


    "Achoo! Achoo... " Amelia sneezed soon aftering out of the bathroom. And it went on for a couple


    of times more.


    Courtney noticed that and hurriedly wrapped her in a nket. She chided softly at her, "Don''t catch a


    cold now, Amelia!"


    Watching Courtney getting worried, Amelia shook her head and made an imbecile remark intentionally


    to make her feel better. "Oh,e on Courtney, I''m not that weak what you think I am. My mother used


    to say, I could only catch cold being a baby. Now, I''m a grown up. No cold can touch me now. Trust


    me." Amelia joked while sniffling.


    "Pooh, Pooh, Pooh!" In response to which Courtney knocked on Amelia''s forehead out of annoyance


    and rolled her eyes. "Do I have to punch you hard just because you caught a cold?"


    "Err, okay, I''ll shut up for now." Amelia tittered and fell quiet. She knew Courtney was irritated because


    she was worried for her situation.


    Courtney on the other hand, dismissed Amelia''s words and stated, "Oh, one more thing Amelia. I have


    brought these things for you. They are all useful stuffs which you''ll need now orter. Have a look. By


    that time, I''ll go wash up!" In order not to arouse Amelia''s suspicion, Courtney said tly and gave


    Amelia a sidelong gaze.


    All of these were bought by Lucian in reality. He had been constantly worried about Amelia. He knew


    that Amelia would refuse his gifts right away, if she realized they were from him. So he had asked


    Courtney cleverly to bring them to Amelia.


    The things that Courtney took out from the suitcase one by one were all what Amelia needed for her


    pregnancy. There were foods especially made for pregnant women. Even Lucian had bought maternity


    pajamas, pants and other clothes for Amelia.


    Amelia had thought that the big suitcase that Courtney had brought with her held Courtney''s daily


    necessities. But it turned out that all of them were necessities for a pregnant woman. Possibly her. Of


    course, all of them were of high quality.


    On one hand Amelia was moved by Courtney''s thoughtfulness, but on the other, she felt it was a bit too


    much. After all, Amelia''s belly hadn''t yet be bigger, and such clothes were toorge for her now.


    "Amelia, you didn''t tell me what do you think about my gifts?" Courtney asked with a bright smile as


    she dried her hair with a towel.


    Amelia frowned at that. What should she tell her? She asked Courtney nervously, "Courtney, if you


    don''t mind, can I return them?"N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    Courtney gasped at that. "What? But why?" She eximed, her smiled vanished at once. She didn''t


    think she heard Amelia right. She asked her again, "Did you just say that I should return them?"


    Amelia nodded her head and reasoned to Courtney, "Honestly telling, these things seem very


    expensive. I don''t think we should spend too much right now. We should keep money for future, and it''ll


    help us after the baby is born."


    Amelia knew that it was not an easy job to raise a child single-handedly, so she had been trying her


    best to earn as much money as possible. It was better than running out of money after the child was


    born.


    "You are going to be a loving mother, Amelia. You are always so thoughtful with everything. But don''t


    be too polite with me. I brought them out of my good intention. If you wouldn''t ept them, then, I don''t


    know," Courtney shrugged, "just throw them away. Also, I can''t anymore return them. I have removed


    all the tags." Courtney thought inwardly. The person who knew Amelia the best way possibly was


    Lucian. He knew Amelia would want to return the clothes. So, he removed all the tags from the clothes.


    And now, there was no way for her to return.


    "Oh! Then I''ll take them. Thank you, Courtney. It''s very kind of you." Amelia took them all reluctantly,


    however, her eyes filled with gratitude.


    Courtney smiled again. She understood what was ying on Amelia''s mind. Sheforted her, "Don''t


    worry, Amelia. Everything will be fine as long as you try hard. I believe the money will shower on you


    soon, and there won''t be any deficiency for my godson''s milk powder. Don''t worry too much."


    Amelia nodded. "Yes, I''ll be more diligent in your shop from now on. I''ll work hard," Amelia said with a


    smile filled with positivity.


    In the next morning, when Amelia was still cooking breakfast in the kitchen, she heard a knock on the


    door.


    Amelia thought it might be Mrs. Chen, who had just finished her morning exercise. She hurriedly ran to


    open the door. But when she opened the door, she stood stock still. The person whom she had least


    expected to see was standing there in all his glory.


    Ignoring the shock on her face, Lucian walked into the house and closed the door. He noticed Amelia


    was still in a trance seeing him there.


    Looking at his tall figure, Amelia followed him and stopped him. "Courtney hasn''t gotten up. Is there


    anything I can do for you?"


    If it were not for Courtney, she couldn''t find an excuse to stop Lucian.


    Lucian halted in his track and looked down at Amelia. His eyes were soft. He gave her a genuine caring


    gaze and said, "I brought you chicken soup that Lily had made. Don''t you want to try it?"


    Looking at his smiling face, Amelia felt helpless. He still had this effect on her. She felt weak at his


    smile.


    "Oh. Thank you. I will surely try it." She took the bowl from Lucian''s hand without saying a word, then


    asked him coldly, "Alright then. Can you leave now?"


    Lucian''s smile vanished in an instant hearing her refusal. His brows knitted in a frown. He asked in an


    aggrieved tone, "Do you think I should leave just like this?"


    "You can refuse toe in the first ce. That''s up to you." Amelia looked away sulking. She didn''t


    want to look at Lucian anymore.


    Lucian although understood why Amelia was refusing him and treating him indifferently. She wanted to


    avoid arousing any suspicion towards them.


    "Well," Lucian sighed, "Then I''ll leave if that''s what you want. Don''t forget to drink the soup. Lily made it


    early this morning. Don''t let her effort go wasted." After that, Lucian gave a soft squeeze on Amelia''s


    shoulder then turned to leave.


    Although Amelia asked Lucian to leave, but in truth, her heart squeezed in her chest painfully watching


    him leave. She had expected Lucian to act shamelessly like the old Lucian used to, but she didn''t think


    he would not interrupt her request and truly leave her. Watching himpromising their love broke her


    apart.


    Long after Lucian left, she kept watching at the closed door. Unknowingly her eyes had welled up at


    their separation. Tears rolled down Amelia''s face seamlessly, and she felt terribly broken inside.


    A sudden voice pulled Amelia out of her trance. "Since you care about him so much, why did you


    refuse him?" Standing at the door of her room, Courtney watched Amelia crying bitterly. She went over


    and gave her a tissue. Her eyes darted towards the door as she said, "He''s not gone far yet. Do you


    want me to call him back?"


    "No!" Amelia stopped her immediately. A sob erupted out of her mouth.


    "You act like a loser!" Courtney took the soup bowl from Amelia, unscrewed the lid and took a sniff.


    "Wow, it smells good and it''s still hot. Drink it quickly. You take this and I''ll go eat up the breakfast that


    you made!"


    Aftering out of Amelia''s house, Lucian got a call from Jonny, who asked him to have a lunch


    together with him at the most luxurious restaurant in the city.


    Lucian suspected Jonny''s invitation and right away called Eric to find out the truth. He knew that the


    ce where Jonny had invited him, there would be so many people. It was evident that Lucian and


    Jonny wouldn''t be the only people present at their meal together.


    And he was right. Eric confirmed his suspicion. ording to his report, Jonny not only had invited


    Lucian, but also many shareholders of the An Group.


    Lucian understood Jonny''s intention immediately. Jonny basically had the intention to gain the support


    of all the shareholders of An Group, so that he could have the upper hand against Edmund.


    But now there was no way he could back of. No matter what Jonny''s real intention was, Lucian had to


    attend this banquet.


    At noon during the lunch, everyone around the table raised their sses and toasted. Everyone


    laughed and talked about the current situation of the An Group.


    Mr. Chen, who had a lot shares, was so excited that he pped the table again and eximed,


    "Edmund wants to run thepany by his own and not listen to the shareholders. I have had enough


    of it!"


    "What he had announced as his special decision, isn''t convincing at all. It''s us, the shareholders, who


    should offer their opinions and funds when thepany is really making a decision!"


    "Mr. Jonny, if you are determined to take over the An Group, the An Group will reach the heights soon.


    And I''m sure about it. But if it''s still Edmund running thepany, I''m afraid, tomorrow wouldn''t be any


    good. We can''t be sure."


    "Speaking of this, I have to apologize to Mr. Lucian. If my wife wasn''t greedy and didn''t demand a lot of


    fortune from me, I would have definitely helped the Zhan Group."


    "Yes, you''re right. We shouldn''t believe in what Edmund said. Since he seems to be gradually walking


    away from the shareholders, I''m sure he''ll understand soon how tough Mr. Lucian had been


    throughout."


    During the whole time, Lucian listened to all the statements the shareholders were making silently.


    Lucian was not that type of person who would go wild with excitement and lose his temper and


    reputation. He didn''t verbally show gratitude to these supported shareholders. He was sure that the An


    Group was not in a good condition now, even if the An Group was rich and powerful, once they lost


    connection from the shareholders, it would do no good to the development of the An Group.


    In addition to that, he had controlled a lot of Edmund''s crooked exchange records, including some dirty


    tricks he had applied to suppress the Zhan Group.


    "Come on, Lucian. Let''s have a drink." It was Jonny. Jonny, on the other hand, didn''t say anything the


    whole time. He had just listened to the rest. While the shareholders were toasting to each other, he


    raised his ss and smiled to Lucian meaningfully.


    After the meal was over, all the shareholders left. Only Lucian and Jonny were stayed behind in the


    deluxe room.


    Finally Jonny began talking to Lucian what he had intended to say for long. "Lucian, I absolutely know,


    the behaviors of those shareholders are disgusting, indeed. But as long as their target is Edmund, we


    have to greet them with a smile." Then Jonny took a sip of his wine while giving Lucian a cautious


    exchange.

 Chapter 119 But Your Friends Wife Is Off Limits

    Chapter 119 But Your Friend''s Wife Is Off Limits


    Lucian had a faint smile on his face when he asked, "You''ve always been forthright. Tell me, why did


    you get yourself involved in this business conflict?"


    He was not one to ce himself inplicated situations. If it weren''t for Nichs'' poor health, Lucian


    wouldn''t have taken over Zhan Group. He found it difficult to understand how Jonny could do what he


    never wanted in the first ce.


    "A desperate man will do anything," Jonny snorted before reaching for his drink. After quickly draining


    his ss of wine, he refilled it.


    Seeing his sad demeanor, Lucian took a few sips of wine and sighed. "If it weren''t for this, Amelia and I


    would probably still be together."


    "I can''t believe you''re still not over here. I haven''t seen her in a while. I guess that makes me a bad


    boyfriend." Jonny had never been good with alcohol but he kept on drinking. It wasn''t long until his


    cheeks went red and he felt himself a bit more drunk than he wanted to be.


    Lucian looked at him and smiled, "Let me drive you home."


    "Don''t be jealous, Lucian. I do like Amelia, but I respect you too much. I know that my friend''s wife is off


    limits." The alcohol felt like liquid courage to Jonny. He wouldn''t have said those words if he were


    sober. Even if he would end up on bad terms with Lucian, he would have still kept his pride.


    And if he couldn''t win Amelia''s heart, he could at least stand by her side as her boyfriend.


    Seeing Jonny struggling to stay on his chair, Lucian stood and propped him up. "You know you''re not a


    heavy drinker. Why did you drink so much?" he asked.


    That question took Lucian back to when he was in high school with Jonny. They would always spend


    time drinking and singing at KTV bars, and he would always end up carrying a drunk Jonny home.


    It seemed as if Jonny''s alcohol tolerance didn''t get better with time. On the contrary, it took him less


    drinks just then before he felt his consciousness slipping away.


    Lucian was d Jonny didn''t go to the business circle, or he would''ve been inebriated frequently.


    It was all over the news that Jonny had invited An Group''s major shareholders to a conference. After


    that, rumors spread like wildfire that Jonny was taking over the business and was supported by many


    of An Group''s executives.


    Gossip also had it that An Group CEO Edmund fell ill and was immediately rushed to the hospital when


    he heard the news. He was heard to be cursing in his ward, calling Jonny an ungrateful and disloyal


    son.


    Courtney was happily drinking the tea Amelia prepared while she read the news on her phone. Upon


    reading a particrly surprising headline, Courtney immediately turned to Amelia. "Your boyfriend is in


    the news!"


    ''What boyfriend?'' Amelia wondered before realizing that she could only be referring to Jonny.


    She hadn''t seen Jonny in several days but she thought it was just because he was busy at work.


    "He likes keeping a low profile. How could he be in the news? Did he find a new girlfriend?" Amelia


    hoped that Jonny had found a girlfriend. She felt news like that would bring her some relief.


    "No!" Courtney said, her bright eyes still on the phone. After reading the article, she summed it all up


    for Amelia. "It seems that Jonny''s turning against his father. It''s not clear whether he inherited An


    Group, but it clearly said that he was going to bepeting with his father for the management of the


    company!"


    "Really? Jonny is not interested in An Group. Why would he go against his father?" Amelia knew that it


    was Jonny''s biggest dream to be a designer. He evenpleted a fashion degree to fulfill his goal.


    How could the news be true? Could it be that reporters were merely cooking up a story that would turn


    all eyes towards An Group?


    "Based on thesements, Jonny is popr; as for Edmund, he gets nothing but foul words."


    Courtney looked at her friend to see her reaction.


    Amelia just stood in a daze. She wondered if she should call Jonny.


    "By the way, Amelia, can you handle everything this afternoon? I have to go home, you see." Courtney


    had put away her phone.


    Amelia''s attention was drawn by Courtney''s question. She immediately replied that she could handle


    the shop alone because it was not a busy day.


    "Nancy had to quit because of her studies. I need you here to watch over the shop because I have to


    go home. It''s my father''s birthday," Courtney exined.


    "Is it uncle''s birthday?" Amelia thought that she should give a present, too.


    "When I was with Kent, I always pretended that I forgot his birthday. But I have to go home now. At


    least, I still have my family even though I don''t have a boyfriend anymore," Courtney quietly said. She


    seemed to being into terms with everything that had happened.


    Amelia smiled at her before turning to her phone. She ordered a cake for Courtney''s father and wrote


    him a short message.


    Since she didn''t graduate from college, Amelia used to always find herself cash-strapped. She would


    often go to the Lin''s for free meals. Courtney''s parents treated her well. She only stopped visiting when


    Courtney eventually fell out of contact with them.


    Courtney thanked Amelia for her work, and after about an hour, she was gone. As soon as she had left,


    Shelly came to the shop.


    It was a quiet summer day in May and the sun shone to reveal Shelly''s bright orange dress and


    ttering makeup. Amelia thought she looked like a doll.


    "Would you like something to drink, Miss Shelly?" Amelia greeted her politely despite Shelly''s cruel


    expression.


    Shelly looked suspicious of Amelia''s behavior. She red at her with anger and jealousy in her eyes.


    She mmed her fist down the table where Amelia had just ced a ss of honey water. The ss


    fell on the floor and broke into pieces. "You said that you were done with Lucian, but what did you do?


    You met with him behind my back!" Shelly screamed.


    After fighting with Lucianst night, Shelly had gone back to the An family, thinking that Lucian would


    eventually pick her up and apologize. He didn''t show up until the next morning. Shelly was so furious,


    she decided to talk to Amelia.


    Amelia knew that nothing she could say would pacify Shelly. Keeping her silence, she stooped down


    and started wiping the mess that Shelly made when she knocked the ss off the table.


    "Oh, stop ying innocent with me! That only works on Lucian but he''s not here right now, is he?


    You''re just making me even angrier!" As Amelia was wiping the floor, Shelly stepped on the back of her


    hand. She forced the point of her high-heeled shoe down Amelia''s skin, making thetter wince from


    the pain.


    Amelia said nothing; she merely gritted her teeth.


    Seeing the pained expression on Amelia''s face made Shelly''s heart beat faster. Crushing Amelia''s


    hand with her foot made her feel like she was stomping on a pesky ant.


    "Let this be a lesson for you, Amelia! If you don''t leave Lucian alone, I will kill you!" Shelly said with


    rage in her eyes. Growing up spoiled, Shelly had never really cared about the words that came out of


    her mouth. After venting her anger, she turned around and walked out, kicking a potted nt that stood


    by the gate.


    The scene that unfolded broke Amelia''s heart.


    She was not trying to y coward; Amelia just didn''t know how to resist Shelly. In her heart, she felt


    sorry that Shelly had to see her with Lucian that night.


    She tried to ignore the pain in her hand and went straight to cleaning up the mess.


    "What''s going on, Amelia?" Carlotta said as soon as she entered the shop. Seeing the ss shards on


    the floor and the broken pot outside, she asked Amelia, "Did we get robbed?"


    "No, it''s nothing like that..." Amelia said, feeling a little embarrassed. She didn''t know how to exin


    everything to Carlotta, so she merely focused on the job of wiping the floor.


    "Who destroyed my nts?" Carlotta shouted as she hopelessly tried to put back together the broken


    pot.


    Amelia went up to her and apologized, "I''m sorry, Carlotta. It''s all my fault..."


    Carlotta knew that Amelia could never do such a thing and that she was only covering up for someone.


    Incredulous, Carlotta said, "I know it''s not your fault. Why do you want to take the me?"


    Carlotta went to the bar counter to check the surveince video. After watching Shelly storm out, she


    turned to Amelia and asked, "Who is this girl? I''m going to tear her to pieces!"


    Amelia hadn''t considered that Carlotta would check the surveince video. Before Carlotta could dash


    out of the store, Amelia stood in her way and said, "It''s because of me that she''s angry! Please don''t do


    anything rash. It''s no big deal. I''ll just clean everything up."


    Hearing Amelia''s words only infuriated Carlotta. "She just walked all over you and you''re letting her get


    away with it? I''m not even the one who should be angry, Amelia. It''s you who should be furious!"


    Carlotta brushed Amelia aside and dashed out of the shop.


    Amelia tried to stop her but Carlotta had already left by the time she reached the gate.


    Feeling helpless, Amelia returned to the empty shop. Lost in her thoughts, she picked up her phone


    and anxiously made a call. "Jonny, do you know where Miss Shelly is?"


    Jonny and Lucian had been talking about business when Jonny saw Amelia''s name shing on his


    phone screen. He threw Lucian a curious look before answering. Hearing Amelia''s worried voice in the


    other end of the line, he said, "Don''t worry, Amelia. Tell me where you are now."


    Lucian was stunned after hearing Jonny mention Amelia''s name. Restless, he stood up and asked,


    "What''s wrong with Amelia?"


    "She was crying and said that Carlotta was looking for Shelly..." Johnny didn''t fullyprehend what


    Amelia had said.


    "Can I borrow your car? I''m going to Amelia," Lucian grunted and hurriedly walked out of the room.


    Jonny was about to say more but Lucian had already left. Jonny could only shake his head, feeling lost.Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    After sending Carlotta a message to not act impulsively, Amelia could do nothing but wait at the side of


    the road.


    Amelia had always thought of Carlotta as graceful and collected. But seeing her fuming made Amelia


    scared of what she could do to Shelly.


    "Get in the car, Amelia!" Lucian shouted once he''d stopped the car in front of her.


    Amelia was shocked to see Lucian. She was about to ask why he was there, but after remembering


    that the matter had something to do with Shelly, she immediately followed his words.


    "Mr. Lucian, I''m sorry..."


    "There''s nothing to apologize for. Let''s talk about this once we get to SJ Garden," Lucian calmly


    replied. He had already called Carlotta while driving to Amelia so he knew about what had happened.


    But seeing Amelia, he thought it best to pretend like he didn''t know anything.


    Amelia was busy trying to hide the wound in her hand that she didn''t see the concern in Lucian''s


    eyes.

 Chapter 120 Speak For Amelia

    Chapter 120 Speak For Amelia


    Were they going back to the SJ Garden? Amelia was fidgeting her fingers nervously.


    She sat in Lucian''s car and kept ncing at him from the corner of her eyes. Her thoughts returned to


    the old days when both of them would go to work together.


    "Why are you so nervous? You can lean back and rx." Lucian cast her worried nce. It couldn''t be


    that Amelia was feeling ufortable because of her pregnancy, could it?


    "Okay," Amelia replied in a low voice and leaned against the seat. Her heart was beating fast because


    of nervousness.


    Lucian parked the car at the SJ Garden and got out without saying a word. Just as he opened the


    passenger door and took her hand, he noticed a reddish patch on the back of her hand. The injury


    seemed to be swollen.


    His face twisted in anger after seeing that.


    "Did you remove the entrance guard?" Amelia nced at Lucian curiously when they passed the door


    without any hindrance.


    "Yes." Lucian nodded but didn''t say anything.


    Lucian had removed the guard ever since Shelly started living in the vi. It was not for her. Instead, he


    didn''t want the entrance guard to bother him every two or three days.


    Lucian and Amelia entered the vi one after the other. They heard a quarrel before they arrived in the


    living room.


    "You are wicked at such a young age. No wonder Lucian doesn''t give a damn about you!"


    "You bastard! If you were not Lucian''s friend, I wouldn''t have let you in! Get out!"


    Shelly and Carlotta were so engrossed in ring at each other that they didn''t even notice the


    presence of Lucian and Amelia.


    "Wee back, Mrs. Amelia!" Lily''s eyes sparkled in excitement when she saw Amelia.


    Amelia smiled, and all her nervousness was forgotten after seeing another familiar face.


    Her lips stretched to form a bright smile, and she nodded. "Thank you for cooking chicken soup for me.


    It was very delicious."


    "I can make it for you every day!" Anger crawled on Shelly''s face when Lily took pleasure in blurting out


    "Mrs. Amelia" in front of her.


    "Lily, stop paying attention to Amelia! I''m Lucian''s wife now." Shelly shot a re at Lily.


    Lily presented Shelly with a nk look. Her voice sounded attacking. "Do you think you can hide the


    truth? Grow up! You can treat yourself as Mrs. Shelly all you want, but I won''t. There is only one Mrs.


    Amelia in my heart!"


    Lily caught hold of Amelia''s hands, but Amelia recoiled in pain.


    "Ah..." Amelia let out a loud shrill and took her wounded hand back, caressing her injury.


    "Are you okay, Mrs. Amelia?" Lily frowned and looked at Amelia in worry.


    Lucian took Amelia''s hand. "Go get the medkit."


    "Lucian, you..." Shelly called out and attempted to approach Lucian.


    "Look! You did all this!" Carlotta stopped her angrily. Her eyes squinted at the injury, but she was


    satisfied after seeing Lucian''s worried face. "I should thank you, Shelly, for doing this to Amelia. Or


    else, I wouldn''t have seen concern in Lucian''s eyes today."


    Shelly was driven mad with jealousy after hearing that.


    "Amelia''s just pretending to be a victim. You have no proof that I was the culprit behind that wound!"


    Shelly refused to ept her mistake in front of Lucian.


    Carlotta shot a mocking nce at Shelly before she chuckled. "Little girl, don''t you know how impulsive


    you are? Think for a moment about the consequences of your action."


    "What do you mean?" Surprise muddled Shelly. Her eyes couldn''t believe that a small shop was under


    surveince.


    Amelia wouldn''t say a single word about what happened, and Shelly knew this. Shelly thought no one


    would know about the event.


    "You thought everything was under your control, but the surveince won''t lie!" Carlotta tightened her


    fists and red at Shelly, trying to frighten her.


    Although Carlotta hit her forties, her dressing sense kept up with thetest trend. Her long hair reached


    to her waist. The glow of her skin told the story that age did not leave any trace on her body. She


    looked more like a teenager.


    Lily cheered and pped her hands.


    Shelly looked like a child who had lost her candy. Her eyes shifted at Lucian only to find him holding


    Amelia''s hand. Shelly''s heart was filled with storming emotions. She rushed to him and pped his


    hand. "Lucian, I''m your wife. You can''t touch other women!"


    Shelly''s aggressive look and domineering tone resembled the concubines in the soap opera Imperial


    Household of Love.


    "You wouldn''t have married Mr. Lucian if it wasn''t for An Group''s unreasonable request!" Lily snorted


    and looked away.


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    "That''s right!" Carlotta echoed.


    "You... You two..." Shelly ran out of words and watched those twodies crowding on her. Only Amelia


    held a hint of sympathy in her eyes.


    "Shelly, control yourself!" Lucian looked coldly at Shelly.


    "Lucian..." Shelly pouted and said, "You really are ungrateful. If my father hadn''t offered a helping hand,


    the Zhan Group wouldn''t have survived the crisis¡­"


    Lucian''s face turned dark after hearing Shelly''s childish whining. He ignored her and knitted his brows


    together to focus on Amelia''s hand. He was calmly applying medicine to the injury.


    Amelia drew back her finger and spoke, "Lily, can you help me with this?"


    Although Shelly was unreasonable, she was right. The Zhan Group had survived the crisis because of


    the An Group. She didn''t want Lucian to be ungrateful. Wasn''t it Amelia who had asked for a divorce?


    She had to speak up to get rid of all the misunderstandings.


    After seeing the ointment on the back of her hand, Amelia smiled and stood up, bowing before Lucian


    and Shelly. "Thank you, Mr. Lucian and Mrs. Shelly, for your kindness."


    She ignored Lucian''s changed expressions and dragged Carlotta out.


    "Hey, why are we..." Carlotta was startled at Amelia''s behavior. It felt like Amelia acted as a thief who


    broke into the house, running for her life.


    "Lucian, you don''t have to follow them!" Shelly tightened her grip around Lucian''s arm tightly and clung


    onto him. Lucian couldn''t move an inch!


    Lily''s eyes burned in anger, and she tickled Shelly''s underarms.


    "Haha Lily, stop it!" Shelly let go of Lucian and blocked Lily''s attack.


    After seeing Lucian''s relieved expression when he darted after Amelia, Lily nodded in satisfaction and


    said, "Of course I want to get those two lovers back together!"


    Shelly got rid of Lily''s attack and rushed after Lucian, but he was nowhere to be found. A volcano of


    anger burst in her heart.


    Amelia and Carlotta walked for a long time, but they couldn''t find even a single taxi. That was when


    Amelia found Lucian''s caring toward her, and this made her walk even faster.


    "Amelia, slow down!" Carlotta chased after her.


    "Miss Carlotta, Amelia, get in the car." Lucian parked the car beside Amelia. Worry was written all over


    his face.


    A smile beamed across Carlotta''s face. She held Amelia by the arm and spoke to her, "He''s here for


    you. Don''t look away from him. Please get in the car."


    Carlotta pushed Amelia to the car.


    Amelia couldn''t bring herself to say no. She had no choice but to get in Lucian''s car. But before she sat


    in the car, she blurted out. "Carlotta, I want you to sit in the front seat. I''ll sit in the back."


    The front seat once belonged only to Amelia, but now it was easy to be owned by others.


    Amelia''s demand stered a sad look on Lucian''s face, except hiding he could do nothing. He looked


    at Carlotta, "Miss Carlotta, please get in the car."


    "Mr. Lucian, is this the second time we met?" Carlotta tried to spark a conversation with Lucian.


    Lucian did fish for words, but he just nodded with a smile.


    It dawned on him that he had met Carlotta more than twice. Each time they talked only about Amelia.


    Sitting in the back seat, Amelia couldn''t help but be all ears to the conversation between them.


    Her eyes never tore off from Lucian all this time.


    The more she looked at Lucian, the more her eyes glued to him. Her heart constricted with pain,


    remembering her sweet time with him. Loneliness crushed her heart.


    Lucian parked the car at Amelia''s rental house. All this time, she was so self-absorbed that she forgot


    to ask Lucian to take her to the workce. But the sad memories didn''t let a worde out of her


    mouth.


    "Your hand is injured. You should take leave from your work for some days." Lucian''s voice was oozing


    out of concern and affection. His eyes were locked at Amelia.


    Amelia felt her heart melted by his words.


    "Lucian''s right. If you want I can assist you in your work," Carlotta said to Amelia with a sympathetic


    look.


    How could Amelia ask for her help with her work? She looked at her hand, covered with ointment. A


    thought popped up her mind that the customers would find her hand unhygienic.


    Another thought came in her mind that Courtney had to celebrate her father''s birthday, so she wouldn''t


    mind if Amelia put on the closed sign on the shop''s door.


    "Thank you for dropping me here," Amelia said politely.


    "Have a good rest. I wille back to see you once I finish my work." Lucian''s concerned tone


    expressed more feelings than his face.


    Amelia parted her lips to speak something more, but Carlotta interrupted her, "You know, guys, I can''t


    help saying this. Amelia, you should get back with Lucian as soon as possible because you both love


    each other so much. I can see it is true love."


    "Miss. Carlotta, please take care of Amelia." He reluctantly ignored her words.


    Carlotta nodded and promised, "Don''t worry. No one will dare to bully Amelia as long as I''m alive."

 Chapter 121 Almost Shamed By Others

    Chapter 121 Almost Shamed By Others


    Amelia blushed in embarrassment. She felt Lucian''s eyes on her before he left. When she looked up


    again, he was gone already.


    Afternoon had alreadye and the sun was up, giving her a bit of warmth.


    "Amelia, you don''t really have to push Lucian away because he genuinely loves you." Despite Carlotta


    not knowing the real reason behind Amelia and Lucian''s separation, she could tell how much Lucian


    loved Amelia based on his actions alone.


    "Carlotta,e in and have a seat!" Amelia decided to change the topic since she really wasn''t in the


    mood to talk about Lucian.


    "You should definitely rest at home first before going back to work," Carlotta said in a worried tone¡ª


    wisely taking the hint that Amelia wanted to change the topic already.


    Amelia couldn''t help but be moved at how concerned Carlotta was for her. Carlotta even went to find


    Shelly for revenge on her behalf. Carlotta was acting as if she was family to Amelia and that was very


    touching.


    Amelia agreed. She had intended to invite Carlotta inside the house but Carlotta still had to prepare for


    a meeting that afternoon.


    Perhaps it was the change in weather or her pregnancy but Amelia fell asleep as soon as she arrived


    home. When she woke up, it was already evening. She went to the living room only to find that the


    house waspletely dark save for the dim lights that were turned on in the yard.


    It was already eight in the evening¡ªshe had quite a long nap.


    She couldn''t find Mrs. Chen, perhaps she had gone to dance in the square nearby.


    Suddenly, her phone started ringing. She reached for the lights and switched it on.


    It was Jonny calling. She suddenly remembered calling him in the afternoon about the ident but had


    forgotten to update him after.


    "Lucian''s already told me. How''s the wound? Is it serious?" Jonny blurted out right away much to her


    surprise.


    Stunned, she said, "It''s not that serious."


    "Shelly crossed the line this time. I need to tell her off," Jonny said rather calmly.


    Amelia''s heart immediately tightened upon hearing this. She quickly said, "If you really want the best


    for me, just let it be. Pretend you don''t know anything." Her intention for telling him wasn''t to tell off


    Shelly but hope he could protect his own sister.


    "The soft-hearted ones are always the ones who suffer." Jonny sighed then he added, "How''s your


    appetite? Do you have anything you want to eat? I can bring you whatever you want."


    "My appetite''s fine, Jonny. You don''t have to worry about me. If I want to eat something, I can just buy it


    on my own. I''ll take good care of myself and the baby," she answered with a smile.


    "That''s good. You won''t have to put up with any of this soon," Jonny continued.


    Despite Amelia''s confusion, she didn''t think much about it. Putting on a smile, she said, "I''m fine. I don''t


    feel bad or anything."


    Mrs. Chen treated her like her own granddaughter. She lived in a good and quiet ce and now with


    Courtney apanying her, she wasn''t lonely at all.


    After the call with Jonny, Amelia called Mrs. Chen and asked her if she wanted to have dinner with her


    at home.


    When the call was picked up, Amelia heard the sounds of mahjong in the background. With that, she


    hung up knowing that Mrs. Chen wasn''t going to be home for dinner.


    She liked her own cooking so she had no problems cooking her own dinner.


    While Amelia was cooking, someone came knocking at the door. This confused Amelia as she thought


    Mrs. Chen wasn''t going to be home untilter that evening. Courtney wasn''t returning untilter too.


    ''Could it be Lucian?'' Amelia felt giddy at the possibility.


    She tried to ignore the knocking but it just got worse¡ªsoon, the pounding was so strong that Amelia


    feared the door would break down.


    Amelia then figured that it probably wasn''t Lucian because if it was, he wouldn''t be knocking so harshly.


    She walked to the door in a hurry, clenching her fists, she asked, "Who is it?"


    The knocking continued as a male voice roared from the outside, "I''m looking for Amelia!"


    Amelia was sweating out of nervousness and fear now. The man outside was specifically looking for


    her. At a loss, she took out her phone but she didn''t know who to call.


    She came across Lucian''s number and wondered if she should call him.


    "Open the door!" the man outside urged.


    Amelia dialed Lucian''s number right away. Thankfully, Lucian answered right away.


    When Lucian''s voice came, Amelia felt as if her heart was going to jump out of her chest. Holding her


    breath, she said in a low voice, "Someone''s knocking at the door and he seems very angry. I don''t


    know what''s going on..."


    "Don''t open the door. I''ll be right there!" Lucian then hung up the phone.


    After hanging up the phone, Amelia leaned against the door, trying to calm herself down despite the


    commotion going on outside.


    "Amelia, I know you''re there. If you don''t open the door, I can''t promise you your safety!" the man


    outside threatened her angrily.


    Amelia clenched her fists. Beads of sweat were falling down her forehead and her heart was pounding


    wildly.


    She prayed in her heart that Lucian woulde over soon.


    Crack! With a loud noise, half of the red wooden door copsed. Frightened, Amelia stood up right


    away.


    She was sitting by the door. Thankfully, she''d already gotten on her feet when the man broke down the


    other half of the door with his car.


    The bearded man looked like he was in his 40s. The minute he caught sight of Amelia, he charged


    towards her like a hungry wolf. Seductively, he wheezed, "You''re so beautiful. I''ve been lusting after


    you for so long!"


    Amelia had frozen in fear, her face in utter shock.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    This angered the bearded man even more. Licking his lips, he said, "Don''t even try to resist or I won''t


    hesitate to beat you up!"


    He raised his fist as if to threaten her.


    Suddenly, something seemed to click in Amelia''s mind¡ªshe recognized the man to be the vendor at


    the fruit store she passed by every day. How did he know that she lived here? How did he know her


    name?


    She found this odd but she had to find a way to stall him as it would take Lucian at least 20 minutes to


    get here.


    "Aren''t you selling fruit under the pedestrian bridge?" Amelia remembered him because every time she


    passed by the fruit store, she''d hear the manughing and telling jokes to his customers. She''d actually


    bought from him twice already and his beard was quite memorable too.


    The bearded man seemed surprised that Amelia had recognized him. Mindlessly touching his face, he


    denied anxiously, "No! I don''t sell fruits! You must have mistaken me for someone else."


    He started to pace back and forth, visibly embarrassed.


    While Amelia couldn''t understand why he would suddenly be so nervous, she knew there had to be a


    reason behind it.


    "At your age, I should be calling you uncle! If you have any goodness left in you, you won''t do anything


    to me. It''s the best decision for your sake and mine," Amelia tried to persuade him.


    Unfortunately, the bearded man seemed unfazed. Suddenly, he closed in the distance between him


    and Amelia, wrapping his one hand around her throat and the other pointing towards her room. He


    threatened, "Well, at this hour, no one would ever know. I suggest you just shut up and do as I say. In


    the morning, you''re going to pretend as if nothing happened."


    This was horrible.


    After a momentary pause, Amelia said coldly, "You did a bad thing and I covered it up for you but I''m


    not stupid!"


    Suddenly, the lights shut off. The bearded man tightened his grip on Amelia''s throat, effectively choking


    her. She tried to get out a word but she couldn''t.


    "Then I''m going to teach you a lesson!" The bearded man wore a vicious expression. Grasping her


    throat, he used his other hand to grip her waist.


    Amelia tried to resist but she had to think of her baby¡ªif things got too violent, it could hurt the baby.


    The only thing she could do now was hope that Lucian would show up soon.


    After getting the call from Amelia, Lucian quickly drove to her home.


    Just when he was a few turns away from Amelia''s ce, he saw a sign for road rescue. Irritated, he


    made a turn and decided to change routes.


    With that, Lucian decided to call Amelia and make sure that she was still safe.


    He dialed the number but no one answered.


    This made him worry even more so he mmed his foot on the gas pedal, speeding off.


    Amelia wanted to answer her phone but the bearded man blocked her.


    "You stay quiet and get in bed! No one''s going toe rescue you tonight! You''re all mine!" The


    bearded man had shut off Amelia''s phone.


    Amelia felt as if her heart was going to jump out of her chest. As much as she wanted to fight back, she


    couldn''t because she had to think of the baby.


    The man threw her phone aside and approached Amelia, an evil smile on his face.


    "You keep still!" Amelia trembled with fear, her back sweating profusely.


    "Dinner''s served. Who could say no to a dish that''s already been served on the table?" The bearded


    man approached Amelia. In fear, Amelia tried to turn to the side but he had already pulled her into his


    arms. He whispered in her ear, "Well, aren''t you stubborn? I''m going to kill you if you move!"


    When he had finished speaking, he eyed Amelia maliciously, ready to pounce on her.

 Chapter 122 Dont Be Afraid, Im Here With You

    Chapter 122 Don''t Be Afraid, I''m Here With You


    "Help!" Amelia screamed at the top of her lungs. There was despair in her voice and tears flowed freely


    down her soiled cheeks.


    Lucian''s car pulled over in front of the house. He got off right away and ran all the way to the house.


    The front gate was left ajar, obviously forced open with the door broken in half. A feeling of anxiety


    mixed with anger moved up his spine and to the base of his skull. He rushed into the house and


    immediately heard Amelia''s desperate cry for help. His adrenaline immediately flowed into every fiber


    of his muscles as he ran into Amelia''s room. He immediately saw the man who was forcing himself on


    Amelia. He grabbed the man by his shoulders, lifted him off the spot and threw him at the wall. The


    man''s back and head made a loud thudding sound as they collided with the wall with a powerful force.


    The bearded man groaned as he hit the wall. He was stunned by the force of Lucian''s attack. But


    Lucian was not done yet. He approached the dazed man and started to pepper him with blows. Rage


    completely took over Lucian. When the bearded man fell unconscious from the beating, Lucian bound


    the man with a rope and called Eric and told him of the situation.


    Amelia was so shocked with what happened that she curled up into a ball in one corner of the room.


    Tears flowed down her face like torrents of rain that brought burning pain to Lucian''s heart.


    Lucian approached her slowly so that she wouldn''t be startled and add to her distress. He then


    straightened her clothes. She stared nkly at a wall but she seemed to recognize Lucian. He gently


    lifted her up and then carried her out of the room.


    She was pale and her hair was a mess. Her eyes looked lifeless and dull. They just stared nkly


    forward into nothingness.


    "Don''t be afraid. I''m here with you now. Everything will be fine. It will all be okay..."


    Amelia rested on Lucian''s chest as he carried her out of her room. She felt his warmth with her ears as


    the thumping heartbeat of Lucian''s heart yed a steady rhythm for her. She slowly stared up at


    Lucian''s handsome face and she immediately felt relieved and safe. Her flowing tears mixed with a


    bitter smile.


    Lucian felt guilty over what happened. He felt that his carelessness allowed the unfortunate situation to


    happen. His mind dwelt at the possibility that if only he had taken care of Amelia better, all of it would


    not have happened.


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    He had nned to take Amelia back to the SJ Garden when he finished his work. But he never


    expected any of this to happen.


    Meanwhile, Shelly had arrived at the An mansion. Although Lucian intended to take Amelia home that


    night, he knew that she would be mad at him. They were no longer a couple, after all.


    Lucian took Amelia to the finest hotel in the city and booked a deluxe suite for her.


    She was still fearful after what had happened and barely spoke on their way to the hotel. Lucian took


    her into the room and helped her into the washroom. She felt more herself again after washing. She


    exited the washroom and saw Lucian waited for her just outside the door. "Can you help me contact


    Mrs. Chen?" she immediately asked him.


    "Rest yourself now. Do not worry about anything. I will handle it." Lucian felt that the whole incident was


    odd but he knew that he had to handle it in a reasonable way.


    Amelia was a kindhearted and softhearted person. If the terrible situation that she was worried about


    came true, it would bring her great sorrow.


    Amelia soon fell asleep on the bed. The events of that evening took a heavy toll on her and all her


    crying had sapped her strength.


    When Lucian was sure that Amelia was sound asleep, he called Eric once more to get an update on


    the situation. He remained standing as he listened to Eric''s voice. A grim look reflected on his face the


    entire time that he was on the phone.


    A faint light shone on Amelia''s face as Lucian quietly observed her delicate features. He slowly moved


    his soft fingers towards Amelia''s face and touched it. Her skin still felt so smooth to the back of his


    fingers.


    It had been almost three months since he was so near her and looked at her closely and


    conscientiously.


    He was very happy when he learned that she was pregnant but the great news also caused him to


    panic. She seemed very brave to him when she decided to write the divorce agreement. But he never


    expected that she would go through such incredible hardship to keep his child.


    Whatever rumors came up, she bravely faced them with stoicism. She neverined even once


    regardless of the situation. She was only concerned with the development of the Zhan Group and


    silently endured the abuse of the people who knew nothing about the true story.


    He was ddened by the thought that she thought of him when she was in danger and felt helpless.


    "You foolish little girl, you love me so much. But why do you pretend like you don''t know me at all?"


    Lucian leaned forward, bent down and gently kissed Amelia''s forehead.


    When Amelia woke up the next morning, a light wind blew the thin white curtain and a little sunlight


    made itself into the room.


    Amelia rubbed her eyes gently and then stretched her arms to flush out the remaining sleepiness and


    bring herself into full readiness for the new day.


    She sat up on the bed and her memory slowly recalled the dark events that happened the previous


    night. The terror brought by the memory made her body tremble slightly.


    She then remembered that Lucian saved herst night from her attacker and brought her to a hotel.


    She stared at the pajamas that she wore and remembered changing into it herself. Remembering that


    Lucian rescued her made her involuntarily look around the room as the curtains danced elegantly at the


    touch of a light wind blowing. Lucian was not in the room, she immediately concluded.


    Her eyes wandered around the room and briefly stared at the pristine white of the walls and the


    matching ck and white photo on one side. Her attention suddenly turned towards the doorway of her


    room where a husky voice spoke,ing from outside, "I''ll leave that to you. I just want a swift


    resolution to this."


    Lucian turned to Amelia after he spoke. He ended the call and briskly put the phone away. He stared at


    Amelia''s bed for a moment and noticed that she was sitting on the bed. He smiled and called out to her,


    "Are you fully awake yet? Are you hungry? I''ll have room service send some food up."


    Amelia immediately noticed the white robe that Lucian was wearing. She then wondered if he slept on


    the same bed with herst night.


    The question immediately filled her mind and it was not long when she noticed that her thoughts had


    started to wander off.


    If Lucian didn''t care about shame, does it mean that Lucian loved her deeply?


    "What are you thinking about? You look like your brain is still in deep sleep." He looked at her more


    intensely and then focused on her face. He tried to guess what she was thinking from the expression


    on her face. But her face waspletely nk.


    Amelia suddenly sprang back to consciousness as her mind understood Lucian''s question. The


    comprehension brought surprise to her and she immediately shook her head in response. "No... It''s


    nothing..."


    "You are pregnant, Amelia. I wouldn''t be so inconsiderate... I took the room next doorst night." Lucian


    smiled slightly at Amelia and then turned.


    Amelia''s face turned red as a monkey''s butt after she heard what Lucian said. She suddenly felt


    nervous and uneasy. "You can''t do that even if I''m not pregnant. You''re a married man now!"


    Lucian turned back at Amelia and stared at her with his expressionless face. It was a silent warning to


    Amelia.


    Amelia recognized that expression as a warning. She stopped speaking right away. She then wondered


    why she was so afraid of him. She suddenly remembered what happenedst night. She wanted to


    know the details of what happened but she thought that it would leave her feeling worried.


    A brief ring filled the room and Lucian immediately went to the door. A waiter garbed in pressed white


    upper garment and ck pants waited patiently outside with two silver trays. Lucian took the trays,


    thanked the waiter and closed the door. He brought the two trays into the room and ced them on the


    table. He turned to Amelia and said, "Please allow me to serve you and your baby breakfast."


    A confident smile filled his handsome face as his eyes stared straight into Amelia''s eyes affectionately.


    Amelia said nothing as she stared back at Lucian. Lucian approached her slowly with his gentle smile


    that never failed to captivate her. She felt a lump in her throat as her eyes started to water slightly. She


    then felt something strong that tugged at her heart.


    She knew that she should keep her distance from him, but she felt too weak to do anything until he was


    too close. Her heart stopped her from doing anything but stare at Lucian.


    "Open your mouth," Lucian said in his husky voice. But there was a hypnotic gentleness to it that kept


    Amelia too weak to resist. Lucian noticed that Amelia''s eyes stared at him with that usual look that he


    always liked to see. It made her look like a child with a full grown woman''s eyes.


    Amelia opened her mouth slowly and took the food into her mouth. She chewed gently as she kept her


    eyes at Lucian who seemed to be enjoying her attention.


    She was amazed that she was so obedient. She thought that Lucian noticed this too when she saw an


    impish grin cross Lucian''s lips.


    "Let me do it myself." Her face started to feel warm with embarrassment.


    "Your hand is injured. Let me do this for you." It was rare for him to answer her patiently and in a


    manner that clearly exined the reason behind his action.


    "Were you the one who applied the medicine on my handst night?" She noticed the medicine on the


    back of her swollen hand. She didn''t notice it immediately when she woke up, but the pain was now


    milder than it wasst night. She guessed right away that it was Lucian who applied the medicine for


    her.


    Lucian pretended to frown and said in an exaggerated tone, "I hope you don''t mind that I applied the


    medicine on your swollen handst night."


    Amelia''s heart beat faster when she heard Lucian''s words. She was slightly surprised that she never


    noticed him when he applied the medicine. She thought that it would''ve awoken her.


    She decided not to make anything of it and not to think about it too much. She convinced herself that it


    was for the best.


    "Come on, eat some more," Lucian said as he had the next batch of food ready and close to her mouth.


    She opened her mouth and took the food in like before. Lucian doted on her as she chewed her food


    silently. Her eyes closely observed Lucian''s gentleness and concern.


    She couldn''t refuse Lucian''s gestures of kindness. It was one of the things that she loved deeply about


    him. And she still loved him.


    The doorbell rang out once more just after they finished eating breakfast. Lucian promptly went to the


    door and opened it. Courtney went in with a worried look on her face. She walked straight to Amelia


    and studied her from head to toe. She immediately noticed the swollen hand and the dark bruise on her


    throat. "Who the hell is that bastard? That monster!"


    Amelia never liked seeing her friend angry so she consoled her immediately, "I''m fine, really. You don''t


    have to worry too much."


    Amelia''s smiling face was enough to cool Courtney''s brimming anger. Courtney felt relieved but her


    worry for her friend''s safety never waned one bit. She approached Amelia and yfully poked her


    forehead with her index finger. "I really don''t know what to do with you anymore. You act calm and


    indifferent and bury all the pain in your heart. But if Lucian hadn''t gone therest night, the situation


    would''ve been unimaginable!"


    Courtney shuddered at the thought.


    Amelia never thought of herself as a calm person. What happenedst night scared the hell out of her.


    If not for the baby inside her womb, she would''ve probably fought her attacker off more aggressively.


    "Courtney, please stay here with Amelia. I have something I need to take care of." Lucian then bid both


    ladies farewell and went back to his room next door to prepare himself for his errands that day.


    Amelia felt disappointed when she heard that Lucian had to leave. But she did not betray a single


    ounce of what she felt and maintained her expressionless face and calm.


    "Courtney, shall we check out?" The hotel felt so luxurious to Amelia that she knew it must be


    expensive. She thought that since she was already feeling better, it was unnecessary to stay there and


    burn money.


    "Don''t worry about the hotel bill. Lucian is paying for it. Besides, we can''t go back to the yard just yet,"


    Courtney exined and sighed slightly.


    Amelia suddenly looked confused. She turned to look at Courtney and asked, "Why can''t we go back?


    How is Mrs. Chen?"


    The bearded man broke the front doorst night when he tried to rape her. Amelia wondered whether


    Mrs. Chen was frightened when she saw her attacker and what happened.


    Amelia suddenly felt guilty for what had happenedst night. She felt that the trouble was all her fault.


    "Well, she''s good!" Courtney replied immediately. Courtney didn''t want to worry Amelia so she


    immediately changed the subject of their conversation. "By the way, my parents wanted us to visit them


    if you have the time. They want to cook something special just for you!"


    Amelia smiled broadly and then said, "Oh, thank you so much! So, they still remember me!"


    "You are my best friend, Amelia. They could never forget you!" Courtney dered confidently. She had


    a proud smile on her face as she spoke.


    But Amelia''s fear found its way back to her. "Is Mrs. Chen really okay?" Amelia asked in a worried tone.


    Her room was in quite a messst night but Lucian took her to the hotel before she could clean it up.


    Thendy was old and couldn''t move around too much anymore. Amelia knew that she''d feel guilty


    and really bad if something untoward happened to Mrs. Chen because of the attackst night.

 Chapter 123 Bring Mrs. Amelia Home

    Chapter 123 Bring Mrs. Amelia Home


    "Oh, sweet girl! Don''t you think it''s a little weird?" Knowing how she would react to the information,


    Lucian told Courtney to keep the truth from Amelia for the time being. But Courtney didn''t want to keep


    her friend in the dark and worry herself to death about herndy. She swallowed before she said to


    her, "Well, promise me you won''t think too much about it, but there''s something you need to know


    about Mrs. Chen."


    "Mrs. Chen?" Amelia couldn''t believe what she just heard. Did something happen to herndy?


    "Was she not at home?" Courtney didn''t wish to make Amelia recall the horrible events ofst night, but


    she said nevertheless, "If it hadn''t been for this, I would have continued believing she was just as kind


    as you are!"


    Amelia couldn''t think of anything to say. She merely held herself and denied everything that Courtney


    spoke. Mrs. Chen had always been kind to her, she told herself.


    It was ten in the morning when Jonny came to see Amelia. Opening the door to her room, he could


    instantly tell that she was feeling down. Courtney went up to him to tell him what had happened.


    After learning everything from Courtney, Jonny dragged a chair and sat beside Amelia''s bed. With a


    friendly smile, he said to her, "I heard that Lucian saved a certain damselst night."


    He joked, hoping to turn Amelia''s sour mood around.


    "Jonny!" Amelia didn''t even notice that Jonny had entered the room. After recovering from surprise, she


    acknowledged him with a nod.


    She bit her lip and didn''t dare say a word. Her eyes betrayed her anxiety. Jonny didn''t say anything for


    a while until he smiled and finally said, "Amelia, you''ll find plenty of other people to love and be friends


    with. Please don''t be upset."


    "But Mrs. Chen had always been nice to me. Even if she had done it, I don''t think I can hate her..." She


    was trying to erase any suspicious thought in her mind. She wanted to remember only the kindness her


    landy had shown her.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Don''t make that sad face, Amelia," Jonny said gently, reaching out a hand to caress her cheek. Amelia


    feltforted by his gesture that she couldn''t help but smile at him.


    At that exact moment, Lucian opened the door and witnessed the two sharing a tender moment. His


    eyes first rested on Amelia before turning to Jonny with a re.


    "Lucian, you''re here!" Jonny said with a guilty smile. He quickly withdrew his hand from Amelia and


    stood up.


    Having seen Amelia smile at Jonny, Lucian''s face went dark with jealousy. He wondered if she always


    smiled like that around him.


    Amelia sensed Lucian''s displeasure and rose from her bed. "Let me get you drinks, Mr. Jonny, Mr.


    Lucian,"


    she said, hoping to make the situation less awkward.


    "Mr. Lucian?" Jonny was surprised to hear what Amelia called Lucian, but he was even more shocked


    to see Lucian crestfallen. Trying to break the tension, he announced, "Mr. Lucian, Mrs. Amelia, I''m


    afraid I have to leave you now. A fierce battle at An Group awaits me."


    Amelia wanted to make Jonny stay but sensing that she could not convince him to do so, she only said,


    "Are you... Mr. Jonny, are you really nning on taking over An Group as CEO?"


    Jonny yfully puckered his lips and raised an eyebrow. He asked jokingly, "Why do you ask, Amelia?


    Are you worried about me?"


    Jonny sounded like he was trying to flirt with Amelia even without meaning to. In his heart, he only


    wanted to make Amelia smile. He couldn''t help but feel anxious every time he saw her looking


    depressed.


    Amelia blushed and lowered her head. She didn''t know how to reply to Jonny''s tease.


    "Didn''t you say you had things to deal with at An Group?" It was Lucian who broke the awkward


    silence. He went up to Amelia and held her by the waist before turning to Jonny to give him the coldest


    stare.


    "I thought we already understood each other? I''m your friend!" Jonny didn''t know what to say. In the


    end, he only pointed at Lucian and said, "Well, Dad, Mom, take care of yourselves."


    Not done with the jokes, Jonny even put his hands on his belly and did an impression of a pregnant


    woman.


    Amelia kept her head lowered out of embarrassment, while Lucian red at him until he left the room.


    They fell into silence as soon as Jonny closed the door behind him.


    Trying to avoid Lucian, Amelia turned back to get drinks. But Lucian had already read her thoughts. He


    stood in her way and she found herself locked in his tight embrace, his arms around her waist.


    "Amelia, I''ve missed you so much thesest three months..." He released her from his arms but held


    her face in his hands. He looked at her tenderly, as if he were holding the world''s most precious pearl.


    Amelia also missed him terribly when they were apart, but she had been trying to convince herself that


    thinking about him was wrong. She struggled with these thoughts.


    "Mr. Lucian, if you cannot respect me, at least respect yourself," Amelia said, sensing the danger that


    could happen if he kept on looking at her. She knew that if she stayed with him alone for longer, she


    wouldn''t be able to control her own emotions. She feared that she would give in to him and do


    something that would only hurt Shelly.


    "I see," Lucian said as he let go of Amelia''s cheeks. But his eyes didn''t leave her face. He looked at her


    as if she were the only woman left in the world.


    It was then that Amelia realized that what happenedst night was not only scary for her; Lucian had


    also been frightened for her.


    But Amelia counted herself lucky that she was still alive. If anything had happened to her or the baby,


    she thought that Lucian would never forgive himself.


    "Stay here until everything''s sorted out," he calmly said. He had already stationed bodyguards in the


    hotel for Amelia''s safety.


    "What''s the point?" Amelia asked, her face contorted into a confused frown. She wanted to go back to


    her rented apartment. She wanted to know about Mrs. Chen.


    "Don''t worry. Yourndy''s fine," Lucianforted her, sensing her thoughts.


    "Is that true? You''re not just lying to me?" She worried because Courtney had implied that something


    was wrong with Mrs. Chen.


    "If you behave well and follow my instructions, I''ll take you back first thing tomorrow. But you have to


    listen to me, Amelia," Lucian said with almost pleading eyes.


    Amelia looked at Lucian and saw concern written all over his face. She didn''t want to add to his worries


    so she replied obediently, "Okay."


    "But it''s a waste of money to stay in this expensive room," Amelia said disapprovingly.


    Lucian''s handsome face lit up with a yful smile. Joking, he said, "Well, you can think of it as us


    having a vacation because we''re tired of staying at home."


    "Stop kidding around, Mr. Lucian!" Amelia said with a blush.


    "Fine! I won''t tease you anymore. Courtney will be sleeping here tonight to keep youpany and


    she''ll return to the shop tomorrow morning. Is that fine with you?" Lucian asked softly.


    "Alright. I''ll be leaving this ce tomorrow morning anyway," Amelia answered. She felt relieved


    knowing that Lucian had already given his word that she could go back.


    Lucian nodded and touched her cheeks with the back of his hand out of habit. "Sleep well tonight, and


    I''ll pick you up tomorrow morning."


    Amelia had nned to have dinner with Courtney once she got back, but Courtney sent her a message


    saying she was runningte and that Amelia should go ahead and dine without her.


    Unknown to Amelia, Lucian had given instructions to the hotel staff about her dinner. As soon as the


    clock struck six, a server came in and brought Amelia her favorite dishes.


    She remembered that these were the dishes she used to cook at SJ Garden. She didn''t expect that


    Lucian still remembered them.


    "Miss Amelia, Mr. Lucian said that you''re free to walk in the garden downstairs if you were bored," the


    server said before taking his leave.


    Amelia felt puzzled. She thought that Lucian did not want her to stray from her room.


    It was still early summer so the sky didn''t grow dark until it was getting ratherte. Amelia stood in front


    of the French windows, a cold drink in hand, admiring the breathtaking view.


    In SJ Garden at about the same time, Lucian was busy in his study so Lily brought him some food.


    After setting the tray down, she nervously told Lucian, "Miss Shelly''s father came by this afternoon and


    told me to tell you to pick Miss Shelly up at An mansion. He looked very angry, Mr. Lucian. He was


    making threats against Zhan Group!"


    Lucian stopped what he was doing and looked up at Lily. Calmly and with a smile on his face, he said


    to her, "Don''t worry, Lily. I won''t fall into his trap again. Nothing bad will happen to Zhan Group."


    Hearing her master''sforting words, Lily smiled and said, "I''m d to hear that, Mr. Lucian. Let''s


    hurry up and bring Mrs. Amelia back as soon as possible."


    "Speaking of Amelia, do you want to see her, Lily?" Lucian asked. A few minutes ago, a hotel staff


    called to tell him that Courtney had not yet arrived at the hotel. Lucian was worried since Amelia was


    alone.


    "Of course! I''ve been missing her every day," Lily said, pping her hands in excitement.


    "Well, go and get your coat. I''ll take you to her," a smiling Lucian said. Lily dashed out of the room to


    collect her things, excited with the prospect of being reunited with Amelia. Lucian stood up leaving the


    papers piled up on his desk, took up his car keys, and went out.


    After a few minutes, the two met up in the garage.


    "Why not sit on the front seat with me?" Lucian said when he saw Lily approach. But Lily opened the


    door to the back seat and made herselffortable there.


    "The front seat is reserved for Mrs. Amelia. I''ll sit here, Mr. Lucian," Lily said, jokingly sticking out her


    tongue.


    Lucian gave her an appreciative smile. "We''re so lucky to have you, Lily. You''ve been nothing but kind


    to us," Lucian couldn''t help butpliment her.


    Hearing his words, Lilyughed and replied, "I''m kind to you and Mrs. Amelia because you treat me


    very well. You don''t put on airs like other rich people."


    "It''s Amelia you should be thanking, really. It was she who hired you after all," Lucian reminded,


    ncing at Lily through the rear-view mirror. Lucian had been used to doing most things alone,


    requiring little to no service. The only reason he had thought to look for a maid was that he thought


    Amelia felt bored staying home all alone every time he was at work.


    "I should also be thanking you, Mr. Lucian. If you hadn''t married Mrs. Amelia, you''d never have hired


    me!" Lily said sweetly.


    Lucian and Lily conversed happily in the car until they reached the hotel driveway.


    Noticing that Lucian had no intention of getting out of the car, Lily asked, "Aren''t youing up to see


    Mrs. Amelia?"


    "No. I''ll be picking her up tomorrow anyway. You two have a nice chat and enjoy yourselves." Amelia


    had already tried to avoid him earlier that day. Lucian knew that Amelia would be more at ease if he


    wasn''t there.


    "I understand, Mr. Lucian. Take care on your way back," Lily said as she stepped out of the car, and


    waved at him.


    Lucian only nodded and drove off.


    Amelia had a great day in herrge room. There was TV to watch and books to read so it was


    impossible to get bored.


    Looking at the clock and noting the time, she wondered why Courtney had not yet arrived. She was


    about to call her friend when the doorbell rang.

 Chapter 124 The Opposite Attitude

    Chapter 124 The Opposite Attitude


    Amelia noticed the silhouette of a girl wearing purple outside her room. She thought it was Courtney so


    she rushed to open the door for her best friend. Amelia gasped in surprise. She was bewildered to see


    that it was Lily who stood there and waited for the door to be opened.


    "Hi, Miss Amelia. Were you asleep?" Lily asked when she noticed that Amelia was surprised to see her.


    She felt worried that she had disturbed her in some way. She was visibly embarrassed, and yet in her


    heart she was really happy to see Amelia again.


    "No, I wasn''t. Please,e inside." Amelia stepped aside so that Lily could get inside the room. She


    wondered if Lily had an urgent message for her.


    Lily entered Amelia''s room timidly. She turned around to Amelia and said in a soft tone of voice, "Miss


    Amelia, Mr. Lucian asked me toe and check on you." Amelia suspected that Lily''s visit had


    something to do with Lucian, but she wasn''t sure exactly what. She and Lucian hadn''t cleared the air


    between them after what happened, so Lily was meaning to do something about it.


    She motioned Lily to sit on the sofa then she briefly went to the kitchen to get some sses and a


    pitcher of cold water. The anticipation of what Lily had to say made her heart race. Her hand trembled


    as she poured water into Lily''s ss. The memories that she had of her time with Lucian flooded her


    mind and the rush of strong emotions almost overwhelmed her.


    Lily noticed Amelia''s shaking hand so she gently took the pitcher from her with a smile and said, "Oh,


    Miss Amelia! Please let me pour water for the both of us." Amelia smiled back at her and nodded as


    she let the pitcher go. Lily took the pitcher with a steady hand and then noticed that the wound at the


    back of Amelia''s hand had not healed yet. She then poured water for both of them with a smile.


    Although she initially thought that it was Courtney who had visited her, Amelia was really happy to see


    Lily once more. Her visit felt like the visit of a sister and she felt relieved that she came.


    She suddenly felt so close andfortable around Lily. She turned to Lily and then said just as she


    was putting the pitcher down to the table, "From now on, just call me Amelia." Amelia smiled broadly at


    her after speaking. The care and love in their eyes at that moment were exactly what sisters felt for


    each other.


    Lily understood why Amelia wanted it but she couldn''t find it in herself to agree to it. "I can''t agree to


    your request Miss Amelia. You''re the young mistress of the Zhan family. You are the one that Lucian


    loves the most."


    She deliberately said thest sentence slightly slower in order to emphasize it. She wanted to end the


    awkwardness between Lucian and Amelia as soon as possible.


    She did nothing to dissuade Lily even though she would very much prefer that Lily addressed her as


    Amelia. At length, she became curious to know what message Lily might have for her. "So, Lily, to what


    do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?" Lily smiled at her instead of answering her question directly.


    She talked about Lucian offhandedly that Amelia wondered if Lucian sent her to talk about him.


    After a few statements about Lucian, Lily smiled broadly and then stuck her tongue out mischievously.


    "By the way, Miss Amelia, I remember thatst time, you said that you would go out for a few days.


    What happened?"


    Lily''s smile faded slightly and she looked a little serious when she asked the question. Amelia thought


    that her previous actions might have affected Lily more than she realized.


    "I''m sorry, Lily. I didn''t mean to lie to you. It''s just...," Amelia started to say but her voice trailed off.


    "Well, I''m not mad at you for what you did. I understandpletely that you did all of it for the sake of


    Mr. Lucian and thepany. I actually admire you, you''re a great woman!" Lily replied with a sweet


    smile. Lily raised one of her thumbs to express how much she agreed with what Amelia did and her


    smile showed how much she admired her.


    Amelia never expected that Lily fully understood why she had to divorce Lucian, not like many people


    who thought she did this to avoid being implicated in the situation.


    "Now, I don''t mean to speak ill of Miss Shelly, but I think that she was just hoping against hope. Mr.


    Lucian had never really paid her any attention at all since the beginning," Lily said in a tone of


    disapproval. Her face momentarily twisted into a look of chastisement that slightly surprised Amelia.


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    "Did he really do all of these things that I''ve heard to Shelly?" Amelia asked. But this did not amuse


    Amelia at all. She felt that Lucian''s actions regarding the situation were a little extreme and


    inappropriate.


    Lily nodded with a smile. "Yes, he did! Mr. Lucian''s actions clearly show what he hates and what he


    loves."


    Lily''s confirmation left Amelia speechless. She didn''t know how to react.


    But as a woman, she could almost feel the pain that Shelly felt. Despite what had happened, she never


    felt hatred towards Shelly. She understood her as only a woman could.


    Shelly loved Lucian so much and wanted nothing else than to be married to him. But the fulfillment of


    her wish was met with coldness and indifference from Lucian. She obviously never expected that kind


    of treatment from him.


    Thus, it was no surprise that when Amelia stayed in Jonny''s vi, Shelly begged her to tell her how she


    could win Lucian''s affection. It was a very awkward situation that still made Amelia cringe whenever


    she remembered it.


    "Mrs. Amelia, what''s wrong?" Lily asked when she noticed that Amelia suddenly became quiet and


    stared nkly at nothing. Lily reached out to Amelia''s hand and shook it a little.


    Amelia came back to herself and then smiled. "Oh, it''s nothing. I''m fine," she said as she turned to Lily


    who started to look worried.


    Lily looked relieved instantly. She smiled and then took the first aid kit from the side table and then said


    sweetly to Amelia, "Let me clean your wound and apply medicine to it."


    Amelia did not find it in her to refuse Lily''s kind offer. She watched as Lily gently cleaned her wound


    and apply medicine to it. "Didn''t you mention before that you wanted to go back to your hometown and


    have business with your boyfriend?" Amelia asked with a concerned tone as she watched Lily.


    Lily frowned slightly and then sighed. But she quickly recovered and smiled back at Amelia. "His family


    doesn''t agree with it. He thinks my family is poor and that I am bound to be a maid," Lily replied. She


    forced herself to sound cheerful as she spoke although the tone of disappointment and sadness could


    be heard from her voice.


    "Thus, I was really left with no other choice," Lily added. Amelia felt a little angry. But she decided to


    push her anger aside andforted her instead, "Don''t be sad. You are still so young! You will


    eventually find the right person for you!"


    "Just like you, when you met Mr. Lucian!" Lily replied back cheerfully. Amelia felt that the story of her


    and Lucian was an inspiration to Lily.


    But remembering the time they met brought bittersweet memories to her. She felt a little embarrassed


    so she tried to change the topic. "We haven''t spoken for a few months and it feels good to talk with you


    again!"


    Courtney never returned that day. Amelia called her but she never answered her call. She sent a text


    message as a reply to Amelia''s call that said that she had to stay at her house that night. She then


    reminded Amelia to go to bed early.


    The next morning, Lucian came to pick her up as he promised. Lily hailed a taxi and went back to SJ


    Garden. Lily approached Amelia and whispered something to her just as she was about to ride the cab.


    She told her to go back soon.


    "What did Lily say?" Lucian asked Amelia as Lily''s cab drove away. Amelia kept quiet and went into the


    passenger''s side of Lucian''s car instead as Lucian held the door for her. He made sure that her seat


    belt was fastened before he wore his. He then nced at her t abdomen. The thought of Amelia


    being pregnant with their child brought a smile to his face that he was unable to conceal.


    Amelia blushed because of what Lily said but also because she was sitting close to Lucian once more.


    Because of this, she barely moved nor turned to Lucian. Her whole body felt stiff.


    "Do you disapprove of my actions?" Lucian asked. He looked straight at her pretty face and he


    suddenly felt self-conscious of what he said to her.


    Amelia noticed the anxiety in Lucian''s face and wanted to say something. She wanted to say no but no


    words came out of her mouth.


    Although Lucian always listened to her, he still got angry especially when he felt annoyed about


    something. She realized that even though she could ask Lucian for help, she thought it best not to say


    anything that would affect his mood in any way.


    Amelia immediately noticed that the door had already been repaired when they arrived at her


    apartment where she was attacked. It was kicked open by her attacker who forced himself into her


    apartment.


    They approached the door and Lucian knocked on it. A young man opened the door and greeted them.


    Amelia was immediately confused why it was not thendy who opened the door. Lucian noticed


    Amelia''s confusion and said to her, "He''s the grandson of thendy."


    "Grandson?" Amelia replied in amazement. She remembered Mrs. Chen mentioned that her husband


    passed away a few years ago and that they never had any children. She wondered how they could


    possibly have a grandson if they never had a child. Amelia asked where Mrs. Chen was. The puzzled


    look on her face never went away even after Lucian''s exnation.


    "When Granny heard that you''d be back today, she went to the market to buy some food," he


    exined. The young man looked like he was seventeen or eighteen years of age. He looked charming


    whenever he grinned and his two tiger teeth showed.


    ''What is going on?'' Amelia asked herself. She looked at Lucian as if some of the answers that she


    sought was on his face.


    "Come on in," the young man finally said. Lucian stared back at her with his gentle eyes but said


    nothing.


    Amelia walked slowly into the apartment and looked around as if it was the first time that she saw


    everything. It was all the same as before. It had only been a day and two nights but the ce felt


    strange and alien to her. Like there was a darkness that hung over the ce.


    "My granny regretted what happened very much. She couldn''t understand how she was able to get


    herself to do what she did," the young man revealed to Amelia. The grandson introduced himself as


    Mond as they walked in. He apologized to Amelia several times for what happened and in behalf of his


    grandmother.


    "Can you tell me everything you know about what happened?" Amelia demanded as she turned


    towards Mond. Lucian stood beside her but said nothing. He wanted Mond to tell what happened.


    Amelia found herself at a loss as to how to adjust to the situation. Part of it was because she didn''t


    know all the details of what happened and why it all happened in the first ce.


    "My grandfather died almost five years ago. Before his death, he umted arge debt from


    gambling. Because of this, my grandmother used up all of their savings to help pay off some of my


    grandfather''s debts after he died. It was because of his uncontroble gambling that my parents


    decided to abandon my grandparents. But I can''t stand not to see my grandmother anymore so I


    alwayse to visit during my vacation."


    "So what happened that night wasn''t an ident? The man who attacked me colluded with the


    landy...your grandmother?" Amelia asked in disbelief. She looked stunned. Her eyes became wide


    as she briefly shook her head.


    What made it even harder for her to believe what she just heard was because thendy was always


    so kind to her and treated her like she was her own granddaughter. She could not believe that she


    would collude with people who wanted to hurt her.


    "Even though my grandma was involved, there was someone else who was pulling all the strings


    behind the scene. At first, that person bribed a fruit dealer and then got my grandma to agree with the


    n with the promise of money," the young man narrated with a sad tone. Tears rolled down his cheeks


    when he was about to finish speaking.


    Amelia felt something grip her heart as she found her hands tightly clenched to each other. Different


    strong emotions bubbled up inside her that she fought hard to conceal but was unable to.


    "Amelia, I made a further investigation of the matter. I came to you because I did not want you to worry


    and be sad," Lucian confessed to her. He knew that everyone felt bad about what happened. And he


    knew that he had to bring Amelia back so that she could have some kind of closure. He knew that


    she''d still feel involved and tied to it unless she had that closure. He also knew that it was very hard to


    convince her to leave the ce even if it was for her own good.


    Amelia stared at the wooden floor and smiled bitterly. "What she did was not decent at all. I''m sure you


    understand that, don''t you?"


    "Miss Amelia, please don''t be angry with my grandmother. She was overwhelmed by my grandfather''s


    debt, especially since my parents have also abandoned her. She had no one else that could help her.


    That''s why she was forced to do it. And I know for a fact that she is suffering inside because of what


    she did," Mond exined to Amelia. He felt like he should kneel down and plead for her forgiveness for


    his grandmother.


    Amelia walked to her room without saying another word to Mond. She opened her suitcase and started


    to arrange her clothes inside one by one.


    Lucian held Mond''s shoulders tightly with his right hand tofort him as Amelia started to fold her


    clothes inside her suitcase. "This has nothing to do with you. Do not worry, I will handle it."


    Folding her clothes suddenly made she realized that she didn''t live here long and yet she had to pack


    more than she had expected.


    Lucian approached her quietly from behind. "Just put everything you need there and leave it. I will have


    Franke over and pack it up for you," he suggested in a casual tone. He reached out and gently


    held her busy hands. She did not resist his advances. She could feel the love from Lucian''s touch and


    it made her weak. "I know how kind-hearted you are. And the true reason why you now feel


    disappointed and sad was because you treated thendy as family. It''s OK, that''s perfectly normal to


    feel that way. Now, I want to do something that could make you feel better and put this unfortunate


    event behind you for good," said Lucian.


    "I''m just a little sad and disappointed regarding what happened," Amelia said as she nodded. She


    started to sob as she spoke.


    "While it''s normal to feel sad about what happened, it wouldn''t be a good idea to be too emotional right


    now. You''re pregnant. It''s not good for you and the baby to dwell on something like this," Lucian


    exined in the same gentle voice. Lucian''s words soothed her andforted her. She felt her sorrow


    and worry faded away as she listened to him.


    Amelia stopped crying and wiped away her tears. She then asked Lucian to just let it go.


    She knew Lucian well and she knew that he would not stop investigating the matter and would even


    take it to court.


    "I already paid for the debt that she owed, but she has to apologize to you. Her actions made it


    possible for you to get hurt in this incident," he said to her as he rubbed her shoulders to make her feel


    comfortable. Amelia noticed that Lucian still looked depressed and angry about the incident.


    "I wonder where they took that wretched man?" she asked. The memory of the bearded man made


    Amelia shiver and made her heart beat faster.


    "When I see him again, I will eat him alive!" Lucian said angrily mming his fist against his open palm.


    Amelia thought that he looked childish and it made her want tough but she decided to hold her


    laughter back and smiled instead. She agreed that her attacker needed to be taught a lesson.


    "Don''t worry, I have people who would make sure that he rots in jail. And there are people in jail who


    are waiting to teach him a lesson or two," Lucian dered coldly.


    Lucian''s sudden seriousness chased Amelia''s smile away.


    "What about the man behind the curtain?" Amelia wondered who could be so cruel and wicked to frame


    her using such a despicable method.

 Chapter 125 Forgive Her

    Chapter 125 Forgive Her


    His eyes were dark as an abyss. Fury was written all over his face. He pursed his thin lips and


    squeezed out a few words in an angry tone. "Edmund has gone overboard! Fine, this time, I''ll return the


    favor." Edmund had crossed the line this time, and Lucian couldn''t stand it anymore.


    It would''ve been fine if Edmund resorted to tricks of the business world to make Lucian suffer. Edmund


    had instead used despicable means to hurt Amelia.


    Amelia was confused. Wasn''t Edmund Jonny''s father? Why did he do that? A trace of worry could be


    seen on her face.


    "He was trying to suppress me by hurting you. You were never his target." Lucian''s face darkened, and


    the anger on his face only increased.


    Amelia''s eyebrows furrowed. How could she understand theplications of business? She looked at


    his angry face and decided tofort him. "Well, maybe he just wants to take care of his daughter in


    the best way possible."


    She bit her lips, regretting her words. How could she say something like that knowing how


    ufortable this topic was for Lucian? After seeing Lucian''s cold nce, she lowered her head in


    embarrassment.


    Amelia didn''t know what to say.


    "Edmund has never been a good father. He used his own daughter to get to me. All he thinks about is


    to defeat his enemies! He doesn''t even think of his daughter." Muscles on Lucian''s face tightened and


    twisted to show disdainful expression. He had been holding a grudge against Edmund ever since the


    Zhan Group fell into crisis.


    "So, Shelly was also his victim." Amelia''s voice was overflowing with sympathy. She thought those


    words could soothe Lucian''s troubled heart.


    "Amelia, why do you think everyone is as good as you? Try to learn something from what happened


    with you, and stay away from Shelly." Lucian gave her a touch of reality without darkening her heart.


    Amelia''s frown deepened. Her mind acted entirely opposite to Lucian''s. If she hadn''t stayed close to


    Lucian, Shelly wouldn''t have been irritated. Guilt started filling the hole in her heart.


    "Grandma, Miss Amelia, and Mr. Lucian are in the room." Mond''s squeaky voice sounded in Amelia''s


    ears from the other side of the room.


    Amelia''s astonished gaze cast at Lucian.


    Lucian put his hand inside his pocket and said in a calm voice, "Let''s go. We have to face it."


    The kindness in her eyes hade back to hit her hard. Now, she really didn''t know how to face it.


    Thendy walked toward Lucian and Amelia, kneeling on the floor. Her grandson supported her.


    Tears flowed down her cheeks, and she looked at Amelia with moistened eyes. "You trusted me, and


    Mr. Lucian also helped me a lot. I''m really sorry..."


    Amelia couldn''t bear to see an old woman kneeling on the floor. She squatted and helped her up. "Mrs.


    Chen, please don''t do this."


    Mrs. Chen''s wrinkled hands held onto Amelia. Her dull eyes moistened again, and she lowered her


    head in guilt.


    Seeing this, Amelia''s face softened, and she patted thendy''s handfortingly. "Mrs. Chen,


    please calm down. I''m not mad at you."


    "No! Please hit me, scold me. I''ll feel better that way." Mrs. Chen flung her arms, wanting to hit herself.


    The next second, she lost her bnce and fell in Amelia''s arms.


    Amelia was caught off guard when Mrs. Chen fell on her. Just as Amelia thought she was going to fall


    down with thendy, Lucian caught her waist.


    For a moment, Amelia was stunned. Her heart thudded against her chest in fear of falling. That was


    when Lucian''s calm voice echoed in her ears, calming her down. "Mond, take Mrs. Chen in the living


    room."


    "Amelia..." Words stopped in Mrs. Chen''s throat. She could only look at Amelia with an apologetic


    expression.


    Amelia''s eyes moved toward Mrs. Chen, who walked into the living room with her grandson''s help. A


    trace of sadness appeared in Amelia''s eyes. She looked at Lucian guiltily and said, "You have already


    paid Mrs. Chen''s debt. Is it still necessary for her to apologize?"


    Lucian''s cold expression melted, and affection bloomed in his heart when he nced at Amelia.


    "Amelia, the only thing I care about is your happiness, not that apology."


    It turned out that Lucian had wished for her well-being all along. Warmth flooded her heart, and she


    gazed at Lucian with gentle eyes. "I don''t hate Mrs. Chen. All I feel is gratitude. She doesn''t have to


    apologize to me."


    "Okay." Lucian cupped her cheeks and caressed her smooth skin. Care and love for Amelia appeared


    in his eyes, and he looked at her for a long time. "I have found an angel."


    A blush crept on Amelia''s cheeks, and she lowered her head. That was when she heard a shout from


    the living room. "Grandma... Are you okay, grandma?"


    "Let''s go!" Both Lucian and Amelia were shocked at the sudden scream. He recovered fast and


    dragged Amelia to the living room.


    "Miss Amelia, Mr. Lucian, my grandmother fainted due to high blood pressure. It''s probably due to her


    emotions..."


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    "Call an ambnce!" Amelia nervously held onto thendy''s arm.


    Lucian had already made an emergency call. A few minutester, the ambnce arrived at the door.


    Thendy''s blood pressure increased because of her emotional fluctuation. The doctor brought the


    olddy to the hospital and started the treatment. In a while, she woke up eventually.


    Amelia was at the bedside. Just as thendy opened her eyes, Amelia took hold of her hands in a


    haste. "Mrs. Chen, are you okay?"


    The guilt on thendy''s face was back again when she found Amelia beside her. Mrs. Chen said in a


    weak voice, "Amelia. I didn''t think I would see you again. It was my fault..."


    "Mrs. Chen, please don''t say that. The doctor has advised you to stay calm. You wouldn''t want your


    blood pressure rising again, would you?" Amelia didn''t want thendy to suffer from emotional


    fluctuations every now and then because of guilt. "Mrs. Chen, you''ve treated me so well. How could I


    be mad at you? I''m sure you have your reasons, right? Please don''t think too much about it."


    Mrs. Chen felt rxed at her words. Her eyes closed, and the breathing became regr, then sleep


    came over her in no time.


    Lucian had just opened the door to deliver the lunch when he watched Amelia gesturing to him to stay


    silent. He nodded and silently put the food on the chair. Just as he thought Amelia was done talking to


    him, she grabbed his hand and pulled him outside.


    It was rare for her to take the initiative of holding his hand. His gaze locked on their inteced hands,


    and a smile formed on his lips. He wanted to savor the touch of her hand.


    Mond was standing outside the ward when he saw the two of them walking out with intertwined hands.


    Understanding dawned on him, and he headed in to sit beside his grandmother.


    "Mrs. Chen finally settled down." Amelia stopped and sighed in relief.


    "Lily made some soup for you." Lucian took another packed cup from his pockets and presented it


    before her.


    "It looked like you returned to the SJ Garden." Amelia took the soup. It wasn''t a bad idea to ept his


    kindness.


    Although Amelia knew they shouldn''t interact like that, she found a shameless excuse for herself. It


    wasn''t wrong for Lucian to take care of his baby in her womb, right? He was the father, after all.


    Only her heart knew the reason behind such an excuse.


    Amelia fell into a dilemma after such thoughts surfaced her mind.


    "I see. You''re not bruised anymore." Lucian''s eyes cast on the back of Amelia''s hand when she was


    busy drinking her soup.


    It was because of Lucian''spany that Amelia forgot about her cringe with hospitals and drank the


    soup as if she was at home.


    As a child, Amelia was ustomed to falling sick quite often. She used to have so many trips at the


    hospital that she started hating the odor of disinfectant.


    "Lucian, thank you for helping thendy." Amelia had been waiting to express her feelings of


    gratitude for a long time.


    She had learned from Mond that Mrs. Chen''s husband owed about 200000 dors of gambling debt.


    He had died, leaving it all on Mrs. Chen''s shoulders. She used all her savings to pay 100000 dors,


    but she still had to pay the rest.


    Thendy''s husband loved mahjong. That was why she would stride over to the neighbor''s and y


    the game with them. She couldn''t let go of that memory.


    Her husband had initially been bought the courtyard when he was alive. Thendy even thought of


    selling it, but her heart boldly refused. How could she give away her memories of her youth? At that


    time, she had clenched her teeth and endured the suffering, but she didn''t sell the courtyard.


    Amelia was deeply touched. She had always believed that thendy was a kind woman. Mrs. Chen


    neverined about her debts. Instead, she would always focus on Amelia''sfort.


    Her love for her husband gave her the courage to stand straight in the adversities of life.


    Love and kindness had the power to ovee the hardship.


    "It was the least I could do." Lucian smiled lightly, concealing his inner thoughts. He hadn''t told Amelia


    that his heart was moved by that old woman''s dedication to her husband.


    He wasn''t a savior, but if he could help someone, that''s worth it.


    "You did a great job!" She gazed at him with a smiling face, impressed by his actions.


    Lucian grinned, and joy glinted in his eyes. It was indeed worth the efforts. There was nothing better


    than hearing his beloved''s words full of praise for him. He licked his lips in anticipation. This was the


    right time to ask her. "I have a vacant house in the south of the city. You can move there for a few


    days."


    He couldn''t find the right way to tell her the truth. But after his blunt words came out of his mouth


    without hesitation, he felt a little worried. After all, he knew Amelia well.


    "Now, Mr. Lucian wants to support his ex-wife." She red at him.


    Lucian froze, and the corner of his mouth twitched. "It''s not safe to live in the courtyard. Plus, you don''t


    want to see the guilt on Mrs. Chen''s face every day, do you?"


    Amelia narrowed her eyes at Lucian. She had indeed noticed a little change in his expressions. Even


    though his eyes held a hint of anger, his tone was gentle as if he was coaxing an angry child.

 Chapter 126 A Handsome Man

    Chapter 126 A Handsome Man


    "Thank you for your kind offer, Mr. Lucian. But I really don''t need it." He was her ex-husband and she


    knew that if they became close to each other, society would judge them harshly. And if they did be


    close, what would happen to Shelly? Being the second wife, did that make her the third party?


    Lucian''s disappointment pushed him back to his cold persona that she had not seen for a long time.


    His gentle and handsome face had melted away to his familiar detachedposure. He still looked


    handsome but anyone who knew him for a long time would see the subtle differences in his


    countenance. He was not aware that it took all of her strength of will to maintain a certain distance


    between them; resisting all of his charms that made her weak. It was even harder than the time when


    she had to write the divorce agreement; something that she had to do because she had no other


    choice left.


    Lucian was a man who never believed in love nor marriage. He ignored women who admired him and


    treated them with indifference before he met Amelia. But after he fell in love with her, he started to


    change himself little by little. He didn''t want his usual cold and withdrawn self to hurt her in any way.


    The crisis that shook the Zhan Group left him feeling guilty with what happened to Amelia. It made him


    think that he was a failure as a husband. He couldn''t even keep their marriage. When he found out that


    Amelia was pregnant, he felt that God gave him another chance to make up for his failures. He


    therefore promised himself that he would never allow Amelia and her baby to suffer because of his


    losses.


    Lucian never wanted forcing Amelia to ept his decisions. He was determined to find another way to


    convince her to ept his offer.


    The agedndy had to be confined to the hospital as ordered by the doctor. Thus, Amelia still lived


    in the courtyard. She made sure to go to the hospital to deliver her meal on time every day.


    It had been a week since theyst saw each other so Amelia decided to call Courtney. Courtney told


    her that she was at the store during daytime and went back to the Lin family in the evening after the


    store had closed.


    After the incident that evening, Amelia thought that it would be a good idea for Courtney to move back


    with the Lin family. But it was a long way and it was tiring to walk all that way every day.


    When thendy was discharged from the hospital, Amelia decided to visit the shop early that


    afternoon.


    When Amelia was close to the store, she was surprised to see that the door of the shop was closed.


    Her pace quickened until she reached the front of the store. There was a sign that hung in front of the


    store. The sign said that the shop would be closed for a week.


    Amelia was shocked to read the sign. She suddenly felt worried for her friend. She took out her cell


    phone and immediately called Courtney to ask her what happened and if she was alright.


    Her call got connected and Courtney''s phone rang. It rang for a long time but no one answered. She


    decided to call one more time but no one answered. She gave up the call and slipped her phone back


    into her shoulder bag. She decided to open the door of the shop. So she took out her key and unlocked


    the door. A strong musty odor greeted her when she opened the door. She concluded that the shop


    had been closed for some time now.


    She opened the door of the store widely and cleaned every corner that should be cleaned with clean


    water mixed with a mild cleaner. When she finished cleaning, it was already three o''clock in the


    afternoon and azy wind was ying with the leaves of the trees that lined the street.


    The sun shone brightly outside the store. The rays of light created nted columns through the canopy


    of bonsai trees. It wasn''t a very hot day and the weather was very good.


    The cool breeze that blew into the freshly cleaned shop made her feel rxed. This was the kind of


    afternoon that was perfect for taking a nap.


    Amelia picked some easy-listening music and had them on a ylist that yed inside the shop. She


    then took out her notebook and reviewed the steps for making the drinks. When the first few guests


    started toe in, she took a deep breath, shed her knockout smile and started taking orders.


    "Wow, your milk tea is so delicious! The sign on the door said that you''d be closed for a week! I am


    d that you decided toe back earlier!" a girl remarked happily. She sat in front of the bar counter


    and was rocking her head to the songs that yed in the shop.


    For most people working in the service sector, getting apliment from a customer was worth more


    than receiving an award. Their daily lives revolved around their customers and in making them happy.


    "Thank you for your kind remark. Please take this free cake as a sign of our appreciation," Amelia said


    with a sweet smile. She bowed slightly to the kind customer and proceeded to work on the other


    orders.


    "Thank you!" The girl was surprised and became even happier with the free cake. She patted her chest


    and said, "I will invite my friends toe over and buy drinks here!"


    Amelia was in high spirits. She nced back at the sweet girl in front and she smiled. The girl reminded


    her of Courtney who also had the habit of pounding her chest when she was just a student.


    Several groups of customers came and left. They were all surprised with how good the milk tea was.


    They all left the store with smiles on their faces and a solemn vow to return. A few hourster, more


    people noticed that the store was open again. The people that entered the store increased steadily and


    Amelia started to feel fatigued. But her high spirits pushed her on. Like a race car that pushed itself


    further beyond its limits as it approached the finish line. She treated each customer with the same


    enthusiasm and care as with the first customer that she served that day.


    She kept ncing at the door each time it opened and hoped that Courtney would show up. With the


    number of customers steadily increasing, she felt that she''d need a hand very soon.


    "Hi, have you finished my Vani Milk Cup yet? I''ve been waiting for it for more than ten minutes


    already," one of the girls asked impatiently.


    "Almost done! I''ll be right there!" Amelia replied back in a hurried voice. She was too busy preparing


    the order to even turn her head. She took the order slip and double-checked the order when a familiar


    husky voice spoke up.


    "Let me help you with that." The voice blended perfectly with the music that yed inside the store and


    it rang several melodious strings in Amelia''s heart that made her briefly freeze in ce.


    She looked up at the tall figure who stood in front of the bar. It was none other than Lucian.


    She almost jumped out of her skin and identally rubbed some of the milky tea cup on her hand. She


    instinctively pulled the hand towel from the front pocket of her apron and wiped her hand with it. She


    continued with her work without replying back to the tall guy.


    Lucian ced the drinks on the center of a serving tray and took the order slips with him. He served the


    pending orders one by one, checking the order slips as he served the drinks. Most of thedies in the


    shop received their drinks without speaking a word. They never took their eyes off of Lucian long after


    he had passed them by to deliver the next order on another table.


    One of the girls in a group nudged her friend and asked, "Look at him. He''s even more handsome than


    the young actors in TV dramas!"


    "You''re right, his face looks like it was sculpted by the gods themselves. He is very exquisite even when


    he is merely serving water to the other customers!" another girl remarked.


    "I don''t know if he is married or not. I will go and ask for his phone number!" The other girls giggled in


    excitement as their friend got up and approached Lucian. She went in front of Lucian and spoke in a


    timid but gentle voice, "Excuse me, could you give me your phone number please?"


    Lucian was almost caught off guard by the girl who positioned herself in Lucian''s way. The tray in


    Lucian''s hand almost fell as he avoided colliding with the girl. Amelia heard the girl''s words and she


    looked up and stared at Lucian and the girl.


    "I am the most beautiful girl in school and a lot of men are chasing me but I am not interested in any of


    them. But I felt my heart beat faster when I saw you. I am doing this because of you. This is your fault."


    The girl''s face immediately turned red. She grasped the bowknot at her neck and unknowingly yed it


    in a nervous manner. She uneasily stared at Lucian''s eyes with the stare of someone who was badly


    smitten with love.


    "The only thing that you need to focus on right now is studying hard. Every student like you should


    keep that in mind. Besides, I''m old enough to be your uncle."


    "But it''smon for girls to fall in love with an older man!" she replied back at Lucian. She fought hard


    against her shyness and said what was on her mind. She understood that she had to do her best to win


    him.


    Lucian looked away unintentionally and identally saw Amelia. She watched them with pouty lips and


    a sulking look of disapproval.


    "It''s not possible. I am already married." Lucian suddenly felt impatient. He frowned and stared at the


    tray that he carried irritatingly.


    "So, who is your wife? Is she the shopkeeper?" the girl asked as she pointed at Amelia behind the


    counter. She wanted to know who Lucian''s wife was andpare his wife with her.


    Amelia suddenly looked nervous when she saw the girl pointing at her. She knew Lucian very well. If he


    agreed with the girl, she could end up with a lot of enemies. She knew that majority of her customers


    were these students.


    "Yes, you are right. It''s her," Lucian replied with a confident tone of voice. He turned to look at Amelia


    and he smiled slightly. There was love visibly reflected in his eyes.


    All the customers who listened to the conversation turned and looked at Amelia. She suddenly felt the


    weight of everyone''s stare and was at a loss with how to react to all the attention.


    Some of the customers suddenly felt jealous of her. And Lucian was obviously the one to me.


    Amelia suddenly felt worried that students might stoping to the store.


    "I won''t...,"


    "Honey, these kids won''t stoping here just because you are my wife." Before Amelia could react,


    Lucian moved to the counter and stood next to Amelia.


    Amelia''s face immediately turned red. She was at a loss with what to say, both to Lucian and to the


    students in the shop about what was happening. Before she could speak, the group of female students


    all spoke in a chorus, "He is right. You have a very good service and you have such a handsome


    husband. We will surelye here each day!"


    "Thank you," Lucian replied with a sincere smile.


    Lucian''s presence quickly drew girls to the shop but Amelia didn''t really care. These girls sat at the


    table with one hand supporting their heads as they swooned over Lucian. They stayed inside the shop


    for a long time staring at Lucian wherever he went and whatever he did.


    "I came here to offer my help to you out of kindness, but why do you look unhappy?" Lucian asked in a


    low voice as he stood in front of Amelia. He was confused and didn''t know what to make of the


    situation.


    Amelia said nothing and pretended not to hear anything as she cleaned the cups quietly.


    Lucian gently grabbed a cup from her and then said, "Let me do this."


    Amelia frowned. She quickly glimpsed at the customer area and saw that a group of girls were


    watching them. She swallowed the anger that she felt and spoke in a light voice, "Don''t break any of


    the cups."


    She became worried when she remembered what happened thest time Lucian washed the dishes.


    But Lucian remembered that event clearly as well. He clearly recalled the soapy suds in the sink, the


    sound of flowing water, the scattered pieces of the broken porcin on the floor and everything that


    happened after. "I''m good at washing dishes," he replied back lightly.


    Amelia didn''t know if she shouldugh or cry. She came out from the back of the counter and started to


    serve desserts for the group of girls. She was surprised with what they told her, "Thank you for letting


    us enjoy looking at the handsome man for free. We will definitely visit again tomorrow!"


    The milk tea shop wasn''t big and Lucian heard what the girls said. When they left, heined to


    Amelia, "So I am nothing but an exhibit."


    Although he felt depressed and a little tired, a sly smile crossed his lips. He looked straight at Amelia


    and made a peculiar face that seemed to boast in front of her. She thought to herself that his face was


    silently telling her, ''Yes, I am the most handsome man in the world. Stare at me and enjoy it!''


    "What are you thinking now?" Lucian asked as he stared at Amelia. She remained motionless as if a


    spell paralyzed her entire body. Lucian slowly walked towards her and waved a hand in front of her


    eyes.


    Amelia then seemed to spring back to consciousness and stared at him. She suddenly felt


    embarrassed.


    "Nothing important. Thank you for all your help..." She knew that if Lucian didn''t came and helped out,


    she would''ve been so exhausted. She also doubted that she would''ve been able to provide a very good


    service to the customers if she became exhausted early.


    Lucian''s face suddenly darkened with disappointment. He was not happy with the way that Amelia was


    too polite to him.


    "I suggest that you close the shop early. You should not stay upte since you''re a pregnant woman,"


    Lucian suggested strongly but with an obvious tone of concern.


    "There are still more than three hours before the scheduled closing hour of the shop," Amelia replied in


    a slightly stubborn and childish tone.


    Lucian didn''t say anything. He was slightly frustrated that he couldn''t make her do anything. He took


    out his phone and made a phone call to Eric. A short timeter, Eric arrived with a package with him


    when he entered the shop. "Mrs. Amelia, Mr. Lucian asked me to prepare food for you. Please eat


    them right away while they''re still hot."Exclusive ? content by N(?)ve/l/Drama.Org.

 Chapter 127 To Give Her And The Baby A Surprise

    Chapter 127 To Give Her And The Baby A Surprise


    She was so busy that she didn''t even have the time to have dinner. When she saw Lucian open the


    food box, a feeling of warmth coursed through her heart. This made her stomach grumble so she


    walked towards Lucian and looked through the food in the box.


    "I haven''t had dinner either. We can have dinner together." He just wanted to have a meal with Amelia


    without all the guilt. For just a while, he wanted to be with her and be happy.


    After dinner, Lucian and Eric sat at their seats outside the shop. They seemed to be talking about


    business while Amelia was calcting the profit of the whole day.


    "Why haven''t youe back yet?" Amelia raised her head again, only to find that Eric had left already


    and Lucian was quietly watching her.


    "Why are you calcting by hand?" Lucian had grabbed her notepad in which Amelia was writing on.


    At that moment, he looked truly captivating.


    "Give it back!" Amelia frowned as she tried to get her notepad back.


    She was bad at math so she always felt like her calctions were wrong.


    "Tsk, tsk, tsk. I can''t believe my wife is so stupid! I worry about our unborn son''s IQ," Lucian taunted


    her, grinning yfully.


    Amelia wasn''t offended. If anything, she felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach. On the outside though,


    she made sure she was stillposed.


    After making a mistake with one of her calctions, Lucian headed to the bar counter and powered up


    theputer. He began typing quickly¡ªssifying the drinks, setting the sales, and inputting the unit


    prices. Soon, with his form, he was able to get a result.


    Amelia was stunned. She couldn''t help but admire Lucian.


    "Looks like you had a good day. If things continue like this, you''ll be a rich woman soon," he


    complimented her as he shed her a smile.


    A hint of joy appeared on Amelia''s face. "This is Courtney''s shop, not mine. As long as I get my sry,


    I''m good but the more she makes, the better. I just need money to buy milk for the baby."


    She was so happy that she hadn''t realized that she''d hurt Lucian with her words.


    "Amelia, you''re acting as if I''m not around. I''m the father of this child," Lucian said coldly. The shift in


    his mood was quick, his eyes quickly turned cold.


    Taken aback, Amelia averted her gaze and pretended she didn''t hear him. "Well, looks like I don''t have


    any customers left. I have to get going."


    She sounded dismissive which hurt Lucian.


    However, Lucian quickly shoved his bitterness aside when he thought of the good news that Eric had


    just brought to him. Once he freed himself of his shackle of a marriage, he could finally bepletely


    there for Amelia and their child.


    "I''ll drive you home," Lucian offered.


    Amelia looked at him, unable to find the courage in herself to refuse him.


    She knew Lucian pretty well already so she didn''t try to annoy him or test his patience or risk triggering


    his temper.


    Lucian offered to help her clear up the table and do some work around the shop like prepare drinks and


    pack up some things.


    Amelia couldn''t help but sigh to herself as she watched Lucian work efficiently in the shop. ''Why are


    you so stubborn?'' she thought inwardly.


    Lucian, the rich man that he was, had never done a single chore in his life. Now here he was cleaning


    and working as if he was a waiter.


    Summer was looming around. It was already eight in the evening and the sky wasn''t even dim yet.


    "Let''s go for a walk." Lucian then made a sudden U-turn.


    Amelia looked out of the window and found that the road was quite empty, not many cars were out.


    Instead, she found a nice scenery littered with trees and nts wherever she looked.


    She turned her head to look out of the window, savoring the beautiful scenery outside. Sighing, she


    commented, "I still feel like it''s spring."


    "I found this ce by ident. I think you''re going to love it." Lucian''s voice sounded indifferent like it


    usually did but there was a slight hint of warmth.


    It was getting dark. Amelia started to get nervous when it seemed like they weren''t anywhere near their


    destination yet. "Where are we going?"


    "Don''t worry. I won''t touch a pregnant woman," Lucian said flirtatiously, his face still grim.


    Amelia stared at him, not saying a word as she wasn''t sure what to make of this.


    She was thinking if it was a mistake that she let Lucian drive her home. She only agreed because she


    thought it was just going to be a short drive and she didn''t know that Lucian was nning to take her


    elsewhere.


    Suddenly, they pulled over in front of a vi. Amelia looked around in surprise and asked, "What''s this?"


    "I''m busy these days. Courtney isn''t in the city. So I thought you''d stay here for the meantime," Lucian


    said matter-of-factly.


    Startled, Amelia couldn''t help but be upset a little.


    "Why are you deciding for me? Without even asking me first?" She had made it very clear that she


    preferred to live in her apartment for the meantime. If it bothered thendy, she would move out.


    "I have the right to do that because it''s my job to take care of both you and the baby. You can''t make


    me feel guilty about this." With that, Lucian got off the car and walked around it to open Amelia''s door.


    Everything seemed strange as the ce was so isted¡ªthere was not a single person here, not even


    a car.


    Amelia didn''t budge. She had an icy look on her face as she stayed where she was, refusing to get out.


    However, unexpectedly, Lucian leaned in and took her in his arms.


    Amelia was so startled that she wasn''t even able to resist.


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Carrying Amelia in his arms, Lucian headed to the gate. He pressed his thumb to open the gate to the


    vi.


    When Lucian opened the door, Amelia knew that she already had the chance then to break away but


    she couldn''t seem to make herself do that¡ªif she was being honest, she enjoyed being carried by


    Lucian like this.


    As Lucian switched the lights on, the entire room lit up revealing a very simple butfortable design.


    "Put me down!" she whined as she struggled to break away.


    He obediently put her down, grabbed her hand, and then led her inside the house.


    Amelia tried to wriggle her hand free but Lucian was too strong.


    Amelia scanned the room and the first thing that caught her eye was a photo of Iris. She had to look


    twice in shock. "What''s my mother''s photo doing here?"


    All this time she thought it was in the rented house. Why was it here?


    She blinked to make sure that she hadn''t seen it wrong. Then she continued to follow him, eyeing the


    photos that were hanging in the middle of the wall. For some reason, she felt a mixture of fear and


    relief.


    "You did say that wherever you were, your mom had to be there," Lucian replied.


    It seemed as if he was nning to keep Amelia here for a while.


    Not wanting to make things difficult for him, she said softly, "Thank you for this. I''d like to pay a monthly


    rent." She only said that to temper him for the night but in her mind, she was already nning how she


    was going to leave in the morning.


    "I''ve done the groceries. It''s all in the fridge. I also bought you daily necessities and some clothes. If


    you need anything, just call me," Lucian spoke softly.


    Amelia bit her lower lip and said nothing.


    When they first met, she judged Lucian to be someone who was closed off and arrogant. Now, he knew


    her like the back of his hand.


    She wasn''t heartless¡ªLucian''s concern for her made her heart feel warm.


    "Thank you," Amelia said in a low voice.


    Before leaving, Lucian gave her a meaningful look.


    If Amelia had her way, she''d want Lucian to stay with her. After all, this was her first night here in this


    entirely new ce.


    As she watched Lucian''s figure disappear into the distance, she suddenly felt sad. In her heart, she


    hoped that Lucian would at least stay with her to lessen her fears. However, she knew that it wasn''t


    feasible given their current status.


    Despite the bright lights, the ce looked distant and lonely.


    Amelia stood in front of the French window and opened the chiffon. She watched as Lucian stepped


    inside his car and drove away.


    Amelia was understandably upset. Frowning, she scolded herself for feeling this way.


    Luckily, she was able to restrain her feelings. After all, Lucian was married to Shelly now. It wouldn''t be


    right if he spent the night with her.


    Like the thoughtful person that Lucian was, he had ced an altar under Iris''s portrait along with a few


    offerings. Amelia bowed three times to the altar before restlessly pacing around her room.


    The vi had three bedrooms and a baby room that contained a lot of toys.


    Amelia was a bit taken aback upon seeing this. ''Was this Lucian''s doing?'' she wondered to herself.


    The baby room was painted two colors: light blue and pink. It looked absolutely magnificent.


    The loneliness she felt a moment ago was all gone as it had been reced by warmth and appreciation


    for Lucian''s kindness.


    She didn''t expect that Lucian would do all of these for her and the baby.


    When she thought back to how cold and indifferent she was towards him, regret arose in her heart.


    Clutching one of the toys to her chest, her face lit up with joy. "Baby, your dad bought all these for you.


    That''s how much he loves you. I can''t wait to meet you."


    "Call me if you need anything or if something happens," Lucian''s words echoed in her mind. He had


    hired several people to guard the vi from the outside.


    These days were filled with uncertainty and conflict. With this in mind, Lucian wanted to be sure that


    Amelia was safe.


    "Mr. Lucian, you don''t have to worry. We assure you that we will protect Miss Amelia." Four men in


    ck suits stood by the door, upying each side.


    It was already midnight and the lights in the vi had already been shut off. He didn''t want Amelia to


    know that he had hired people to monitor her.

 Chapter 128 Shelly Was Injured And Hospitalized

    Chapter 128 Shelly Was Injured And Hospitalized


    When Lucian returned to SJ Garden, it was already three in the morning.


    As soon as he reached the living room, he heard footsteps. Someone wasing down the stairs.


    In his surprise, he turned his head and saw that it was Shelly. Her hair was a mess. Wearing ace


    nightgown, she presented herself to Lucian the way that someone might dangle a piece of meat in front


    of a dog.


    Feeling a little annoyed, he looked away and asked coldly, "Why are you here?"


    He found the whole thing strange. She was dressed like she was ready for bed, yet she had heavy


    makeup on. Her dark red lips curled up in a seductive smile.


    "This is my home. Can''t I be here?" Shelly had managed to force that smile, but her voice trembled


    slightly.


    Exhaustion was bing evident on Lucian''s face. It waste, and he wanted no more of this.


    "Whatever."


    The indifference in his words was not lost to Shelly. By that point, she was already hurt, but it was his


    words that drove her to the edge. There was a hint of jealousy in her voice when she asked, "Were you


    with Amelia?"


    "Yes," Lucian answered without hesitation.


    The harsh way in which he regarded Shelly broke her heart.


    For the past few days, she had been staying with the An family. She had hoped that Lucian would


    come over and pick her up. She had even asked Edmund to talk to him about this. Now, Lucian


    showed no guilt aftering home in the wee hours of the morning from having met up with Amelia.


    Add that to the fact that he had never gone to pick her up as she had originally expected he would.


    She began running back the way she hade in an obvious disy of her pain. She had thought that


    by doing this, she would catch his attention or gain his sympathy. Instead, she saw his eyes sh with


    disgust.


    "Lucian, I know that that woman still has a special ce in your heart. But why do you deliberately hurt


    me? You don''t want me to be your wife anymore." Tears fell down her cheeks. Shortly after, she began


    crying like an injured kitten.


    Lucian was annoyed by this whole show. He didn''t want to talk anymore. Without a word, he turned


    around and headed for the stairs.


    "Lucian, no matter who you truly love, we''re not getting a divorce!" She ran to him, grabbed his arm,


    and clung onto it like a vine.


    Lucian frowned and forcefully shook her off. "Will you stop it?"


    "Ah!!" Shelly screamed and fell to the ground. There was a thud and then silence. The back of her head


    had hit the corner of a low table as she fell.


    "Shelly?" Upon seeing what had happened, Lucian''s anger was immediately reced with something


    else. He knelt down to help her up, but when he ced his hand under her head to support her, he felt


    something sticky. Afraid of what he might see, he looked at his hand anyway. The red liquid confirmed


    what he already thought. He was almost scared out of his wits.


    Having heard themotion in the living room, Lily rushed over immediately. When she saw what had


    happened, she was so scared that her eyes zed over and she just stood there, trembling. "Mr.


    Lucian, what should we do?" she muttered.


    "Call an ambnce!" Lucian instructed her as he carefully picked Shelly up in both arms.


    He had seeded in slowing down the bleeding when the ambnce arrived.


    "Mr. Lucian, don''t worry. Miss Shelly will be fine," he heard someone say. Outside the emergency room,


    Lucian leaned on the wall with his eyes closed, exhausted and worried.


    About two hourster, the emergency room doors opened, and the doctor came out. Lucian hurried


    over to him and asked, "Is she alright?"


    "The patient is now unconscious but safe. It was fortunate that her injury was treated on time.


    Otherwise, there would have been furtherplications due to the amount of blood she would have


    lost."


    "That''s good news! Thank you, Doctor." Lucian felt a wave of relief ovee him. Once more, he


    leaned against the wall feeling weak.


    "Mr. Lucian, you can go back home. Get some rest. I''ll take care of Miss Shelly," Lily assured him.


    "No, it''s almost morning. The An family will be here any moment now. You can''t possibly answer the


    questions they''re going to ask, so I''ll stay. You can go home ahead of me." Lucian and Edmund had not


    been having the best rtionship for the past few days. Now, this had happened,plicating things


    even more.


    "I''ll fix you a meal. You can rest on the other bed if you''re feeling sleepy," Lily offered instead.


    At daybreak, Lucian was awakened by a noise. Edmund and Emma had arrived.


    The look of worry on Emma''s face was in stark contrast to Edmund''s re. He had been looking at


    Lucian this way as soon as he had entered the ward. In many ways, he looked like a volcano, gathering


    magma until it had enough for an eruption.


    "Lucian, you must be very tired. You haven''t gotten a wink of sleep. Go back home and get some rest,"


    Emma urged gently.


    Indeed, he felt exhausted, but he had to stay and tell them about what had happened.


    He solemnly stood in front of them and bowed deeply. "Uncle, Auntie, I''m sorry for the injury I have


    caused Shelly. Please ept my apologies. I''m truly sorry..."


    Although he had married Shelly, for it was what Edmund had wanted, he still addressed the older


    gentleman the way that he had had before the marriage.


    This was a deliberate move on Lucian''s part. Maybe through this, he could make Edmund feel that he


    had forced the marriage and that the couple was unhappy.


    "Do you think saying sorry is enough for me to forgive you and forget what you''ve done to my


    daughter?" Edmund was fuming.


    Emma put her arms around him in an attempt to cate him. "Don''t be mad at Lucian. Look. Shelly''s


    stable now. Besides, he''s family, too. Let''s not let anger ruin this harmonious rtionship."


    Edmund looked at her with cold eyes and pushed her away with a force that almost made her fall.


    Lucian caught her in time. He was still on edge. The previous night, Shelly had sustained a serious


    injury because of a fall.


    "Harmonious? If he cares at all about this harmonious rtionship that you speak of, he won''t have


    anything to do with that prodigal son. He''s going to ruin me!" Instead of Shelly''s injuries, what seemed


    to enrage Edmund now was his rtionship with Jonny and Lucian''s association with him.


    Edmund''s executive position at the An Group was in danger.


    Disgusted, Lucian regarded his father-inw coldly. He said, "You didn''te here to talk to me about


    your daughter. You''re here because you''re hurt. You''re about to lose your position as CEO of the An


    Group. Isn''t that right?"


    Edmund was taken aback by the fact that Lucian had seen right through him. In his rage, he


    stammered, "How could you... How dare you turn things around? Shelly has always been the apple of


    my eye, and you have caused her nothing but misery since the day that you two got married. I want


    you to pay!"


    Instead of feeling threatened, Lucian was actually amused. Edmund was panicking, and his guilt was


    showing. Lucian responded with the same coolness as before, "If you love your daughter as much as


    you im that you do, why did you force her to marry a man who doesn''t love her at all?"


    "Lucian, don''t forget. I''m the reason why Zhan Group is still here." Edmund immediately changed the


    topic. He could not think of an appropriate response to Lucian''s question.


    Emma, who had decided to watch over Shelly, couldn''t help overhearing the argument. She reminded


    them softly, "Gentlemen, we are in a hospital ward. Shelly is recovering from an injury. Do you really


    want her to wake up to see you being escorted out?"


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    She had asked them quietly, but Edmund did not respond the same way.


    "This is none of your business! Shut up!" he yelled. He muttered something then. Perhaps he had


    thought of something else but decided not to say it out loud. Then, he continued, disregarding Lucian''s


    presence, "Don''t think I don''t know what you''re nning! You''ve always wanted your son to be the


    CEO of the An Group!"


    Now enraged by the usation, Emma stood up and replied, "You said you love your daughter, but


    you keep talking about something else. Have you even seen her since we entered the hospital? Jonny


    is not only my son. He is also yours."


    Emma had always been gentle, and this was the first time that she had ever shown Edmund this side


    of hers.


    It did not sit well with him. Angrily, he pointed a finger at her and warned, "When we get home, I''m


    teaching you a lesson."


    Without another word, he stormed out of the ward. He didn''t even check on Shelly.


    It became silent in the ward again. Emma began to sob painfully with her hand over her mouth.


    This broke Lucian''s heart. Shortly after, he heard sniffling noises. He looked over at Emma, who was


    now crying quietly. He handed her a tissue and said, "Auntie, don''t be sad. I''m so sorry about what


    happened."


    "I believe you. I know you didn''t do it on purpose." Emma knew how spoiled and unruly her daughter


    could get. And although she was Shelly''s mother, the two had never really been close. On the contrary,


    Edmund had always indulged their daughter, making her think that in life, she could get everything that


    she wanted whenever she wanted it.


    "Thanks for your understanding, Auntie." Lucian knew that Emma was simply trying to stay away from


    trouble. He had also heard that Edmund was treating her badly.


    "I was not myself just now." Emma smiled apologetically, and the lines on her forehead disappeared.


    "But I feel better now. I don''t regret saying what I said."


    She took a deep breath, knowing that she had done something brave. Ever since she married Edmund,


    she had felt even less important than a servant. He mistreated her, but she endured everything


    because of the children. However, today, when she saw him prioritize his position over the safety and


    well-being of his children, she was unable to hold back.


    Lucian understood. He smiled gently and said, "Auntie, Jonny loves you very much. He''s doing all of


    this for you."


    Jonny had been unwilling to take over thepany. Before he even finished school, Edmund had been


    mentoring him and preparing him to be a valuable member of the An Group. Instead, Jonny wanted to


    follow his heart and do the things that he loved. It was then that his rtionship with his father soured.


    "Jonny''s father can be selfish. He used to think that it was only natural for a son to take over his


    father''spany. Now, he feels threatened that Jonny is taking thepany away from him, that


    Jonny is going to lead An Group and will run it poorly." Emma knew exactly how Edmund thought.


    "I have always favored fairpetition, not dirty tricks like his." If it weren''t for Edmund, Zhan Group


    wouldn''t be in the mess he had seemed to save it from in the first ce.

 Chapter 129 Are You Imprisoning Me

    Chapter 129 Are You Imprisoning Me


    "I know Jonny did all this for me. But I don''t want to see them fight with each other and lose the crap


    out of it," said Emma by wiping her tears. She was devastated thinking about the entire situation.


    Lucian pressed his thin lips and understood Emma''s pain. After a while he said, "If Uncle can realize


    his mistake, Jonny won''t do such bad things."


    "Lucian, please persuade Jonny. You can do it for the betterment," requested Emma. Noticing that


    Lucian''s eyes were bloodshot, she added, "You can go back and rest. I''ll take care of Shelly. Your


    health is important."


    Lucian was really exhausted. He felt relieved as Emma agreed to take care of Shelly.


    "Thank you, Auntie," said Lucian with respect.


    Aftering out of the hospital, Lucian called his subordinate and inquired about the condition of


    Amelia. He went back to the SJ Garden without any worries after making sure that she was safe the


    whole night.


    ''''Is it lethargic during pregnancy?'''' Amelia woke up past eight o''clock in the morning. Without an rm


    clock, she woke up naturally.


    The gauze curtain in front of the window was blown and the bright white light reflected into the room


    outside the window. The chimes dangled with the streams of the wind and birds chirped.


    She sat up from the soft bed, rubbed her long ck hair and lifted the quilt. She stepped on the dark


    wooden floor with bare feet. Then she opened the curtain and looked out of the window for the view,


    breathing in the breezy air.


    Last night, the night was so deep that nothing could be seen at all. What she only knew was that along


    the way, two sides of the road were surrounded by dense trees. She felt a sense of mystery while they


    were on the road.


    The dense green looked like tall mountains which focused into darkness. The car was moving through


    a series ofndscape patterns.


    Amelia was attracted by the fresh scenery outside the window as she opened the curtain. She had


    always been a person who enjoyed little things and a true nature lover.


    At first sight, the vision was open and endless. The bright blue sky and staggered clouds gave her a


    sense of ease. Near the steps were lush green nts and all kinds of little flowers. Some bony trees


    climbed on the wall like caterpirs. The cobble stoned wall was cold and a part of it shone under the


    light of the sky. It was glowing with white jade like color and casted the shadow of the climbers on the


    patio.


    The forest with lush green covered the top of the sky. It seemed like the colors and patterns were


    merging to give an art piece. That dark green color gave people a mysterious and peaceful


    atmosphere. At this moment Amelia felt that she was in peace and even her breath was bestowed with


    a kind of spiritual energy.


    She always believed in the spirituality and self-awakening that nature could give one.


    ''We all are atoms of nature and to enjoy every bit of us, one needs to surround themselves with purity,''


    she thought.


    She was about to go back to the bathroom to wash up after contemting and absorbing the nature


    around her.


    The living goods in the bathroom were veryplete. Amelia specially checked on it and found that


    every toiletries were prepared in two pieces. It was obvious that it was one for men and the other for


    women.


    Thebels showed the differentiation of gender on the toiletries. Amelia''s hands shivered and her heart


    trembled with anxiety as she brushed her teeth. She wondered what on earth Lucian wanted to do. The


    entire situation seemed to be a unsolved mixture.


    But she was confused for a short period only as she decided to leave after washing up.


    Although she was so moved by the baby room, she and Lucian could never go back to their former


    position. She epted the father''s love for her child.


    Usually she would get up half past six before the sun gleamed. Then she would clean up and start the


    breakfast preparation at seven while nibbling on hervender tea.


    She would be done with her breakfast at half past seven.


    She had a pretty meticulous routine and she stuck to it with utter disciple. So she was hungry now.


    She recalled Lucian telling her that there was extra food in the fridge as she was wondering if she


    should cook something.


    The doorbell rang and she ran towards the door.


    Amelia thought it was Lucian, so she quickly changed her pajamas and set her hair to look presentable.


    Outside the door were two men in ck suit who looked like investigators. Amelia was scared and her


    face turned pale as she didn''t expect two muscr men at that time.


    She asked in a trembling voice, "Who are you? Ahhh! I''m quite not....." She felt that the two men looked


    familiar. But she couldn''t remember where she had met them before.


    "Miss Amelia, Mr. Lucian asked you to stay here. He''ll take you home next week," said the man


    respectfully.


    "Next week? Ughhh... Is he imprisoning me? How am I supposed to survive here?" Amelia shouted at


    him angrily.


    The man looked calm and replied lightly, "What Mr. Lucian does is for your personal safety, please


    forgive me. His order is strict and we have no choice."


    "If I continue to stay here, I will not be safe..." Amelia felt ridiculous. Her good mood went down the


    drain in a moment and felt like a pit was formed in her heart.


    Shelly took her as a thorn in her flesh. She would have been jealous if she had known that Amelia was


    called there by Lucian. She had never thought about getting involved in their marriage and had no bad


    intentions.


    "Miss Amelia, we are just following the order. We didn''t want to frighten you. Hence we came up to say


    hello. You arepletely safe with us around you." They were impressively waiting at the door. If


    Amelia saw them all of a sudden, she would definitely be scared. To avoid this, Lucian had informed


    them to give a brief to Amelia.


    "Where is Lucian Zhan? I want to see him. I can''t believe that I''m stuck here." When she was angry,


    she would call out Lucian''s full name.


    "Mr. Lucian will be very busy in theing few days. Miss Amelia, please try to understand. After a


    week, Mr. Lucian will definitely let you out as he has promised. Your cooperation is very much


    necessary in this situation," said one of the men. The man in the front looked very sincere, and they


    werepletely aware that Amelia was the woman that Lucian loved.


    All of a sudden Amelia didn''t know what to say. She wanted to find a reason to convince herself and


    calm down. However, the sudden scene made her mind perplexed in all the thoughts skimming like


    series.


    ''Do I have to follow Lucian''s arrangement and stay here? Why one week? What would happen in a


    week? What would happen a weekter?'' wondered Amelia.


    After the two men in suits left, Amelia stayed in the luxurious room all alone. The entire house was


    grand and the size intimidated her as she was alone in the huge space.


    Regardless of hunger, she walked out of the vi trying to leave. However, the door was tightly closed


    and she had to use Lucian''s fingerprints to unlock it.


    She was angry and wanted to escape from that ce. But she had no choice. The only option was to


    ept it or cry over it.


    Lucian had no reason to keep her there and it made her feel drained out. She felt like a caged animal


    with no say and quenched for freedom.


    As she couldn''t get out, she dragged her heavy steps back to the vi as if she had lost a battle.


    Amelia felt insignificant and angry as she entered the hall of the vi. The entire space seemed like a


    void without a sound. Before she could enjoy the surrounding scenery, she stepped on the cold marble


    floor step by step which led her upstairs. As she eased her hands on the jade handrails, a chill of


    erosion came from her fingertips.


    The space was more coldpared to the cozy bedroom.


    No matter how luxurious the room was, it couldn''t cover the void in her. She felt still, trapped in a huge


    space.


    Amelia went back to her room and heard a melodious chime ring. She followed the sound and walked


    into the baby''s room and found that she had forgotten to close the window in the roomst night.


    The wind hustled and the nts swayed along the direction of the wind. There was a cool breeze in the


    morning and the wind bells scattered across the room chimed. When the wind blew, a melodious


    melody rang out like a soft song from mother nature.


    Amelia didn''t close the window because she thought that the wind bell could bring a bit of hustle and


    bustle to the quiet room. After all nature was the onlypanion she had there.


    Since she couldn''t go out, she had to ept the fact that she had to stay there until Lucian wanted.


    Amelia decided to prepare food to break free from the loneliness and hunger.


    Even if she was angry, she couldn''t treat her stomach and the baby shabbily. She decided to prepare a


    quick main course along with a sweet chocte dessert to make her heart happy for the time being.


    Silence dominated the SJ Garden.


    Lucian was woken up by Jonny''s call. He was suddenly sober and concentrated on dealing with the


    matter at hand as it was a vital issue.


    Jonny said on the phone that all shareholders had been waiting for Edmund to hand over the position


    of CEO. If not, Lucian would submit the transaction evidence about Edmund and the evidence that he


    took the opportunity to destroy the Zhan Group.


    "As far as I know Edmund won''t stop until he reaches his goal, so we''d better both n all the


    necessary preparations. During the general shareholder''s meeting, reporters will be summoned at the


    entrance of the An Group. Once the general shareholder''s meeting is over, we can expose his


    despicable behavior in the press conference. This is my n as of now. If you have any additions, let


    me know." ording to Lucian''s opinion, the best way was to use the power of the society to criticize


    Edmund''s mean behavior. He knew that he had to y the game crucially in order to win.


    There was a long silence at the other end of the phone. After a pause, Jonny replied, "Then do as you


    say."


    Sensing theplex emotions in his tone, Lucian understood what he was struggling for. After all, he


    was Edmund''s son.


    "Jonny, I know that you never wanted the position of CEO of the An Group. You just want your father to


    pay more attention to your mother and show responsibility as the head of the family. If..." said Lucian.


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    "If he sumbs to his conscience, I will return the position of CEO to him. If he is obstinate, the An


    Group will be taken over by another better man," said Jonny immediately. As far as he was concerned,


    the An Group was the result of joint efforts of all shareholders. But Edmund had used his power as the


    CEO to control the shareholders. He definitely yed a huge role in changing the business game of the


    An Group.


    Jonny had spent almost all of his savings on the war between him and his father. He did not only want


    to win, but also try to wake up Edmund from his delusional world, hoping that he could take care of his


    family. Emma needed all the care she deserved and Edmund had to be there as a family man.


    If it was his way to make profit from his wife and children, what was the meaning of An Group''s


    prosperity?


    After the phone call with Jonny, Lucian called Eric and told him something. Then he went to the vi


    where Amelia lived.


    The fridge was stuffed with all kinds of food items ranging from ice creams to saucy dishes, all


    ording to Amelia''s taste. Lucian ensured that Amelia lived there with all thefort.


    Amelia cooked some chicken soup for herself. The chicken soup was prepared with nutritious


    ingredients that made it delicious and healthy. It was important to have the right kind of food


    considering Amelia''s pregnancy.


    She was always fond of her cooking style. She knew how to chop, cook and garnish different kinds of


    food. She had an interest towards food history as well.


    Even the picky Lucian always spoke highly of her cooking.


    Amelia felt bored, so she picked up her phone and dialed Courtney''s number. She felt puzzled when


    she remembered that Lucian told her that Courtney was not in the cityst night.


    Amelia had to talk to someone toe out of the loneliness that was bothering her.


    The phone kept ringing and after a while Courtney picked up. Her voice sounded lethargic, as if she


    was still sleeping.


    "I heard from Lucian that you are not in the city. Where have you been? You know what.. I''m thinking,"


    said Amelia desperately. It was weird that Courtney needed to close the shop for a week. But she


    always said that she was in the shop.


    "It''s a long story. I''ll tell you when Ie back," Courtney said in a long voice sounding tired.


    "When will youe back then? I need you." Amelia was so far away from her friend, so she didn''t


    want to make Courtney worried. She decided not to tell Courtney that she was now confined in a vi


    far away from the city by Lucian.


    "After a week or so." Courtney returned yawning and seemed a little sober. She began to care about


    her and asked, "How are you recently? Is everything fine? Are you taking your meals correctly?"


    Hearing that she was worried, Amelia couldn''t help but ask, "You just said after a week?"


    Lucian promised her that he wouldn''t let her go until a weekter too.


    "It takes time for me toe and go back, so I''ll enjoy myself. There is lot to do. No worries at all."


    Courtney yawned again and again while talking and cut the call in a hurry.


    "I''m not talking with you now. I''ll bring you a gift when Ie back. Be ready girl!"

 Chapter 130 Her Heart Is Softened

    Chapter 130 Her Heart Is Softened


    Before Amelia could utter a word, Courtney already hung up.


    "Courtney this is..." Amelia was filled with confusion. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. She stood up and


    asked carefully, "Who is it?"


    "Amelia, it''s me." The soft familiar voice came through the door to Amelia''s ear.


    Upon hearing the voice, Amelia¡¯s hand trembled as she held the doorknob. Although she wanted to


    open the door, a burst of panic rose in her heart.


    At this moment, she was eager to see him but not because she missed him. As for Amelia, it was the


    other way around, she wanted to push him away.


    After weighing things in her mind, she opened the door and showed herself. Looking at Lucian''s face, it


    was filled with familiar coldness.


    "Have you eaten already?" Lucian concernedly asked as he stood in front of her. He did not notice the


    displeased expression on her face.


    In front of the door, Amelia remained standing. As for Lucian, he couldn''t move into the house.


    "Let me out!" she begged to break the long deafening silence.


    At the sight of her pleading eyes, Lucian felt pain in his heart as his eyes narrowed.


    "Amelia, don¡¯t be stubborn. Listen to me this time, okay?" he said. Lucian stayed up all night, his eyes


    turned red due to bloodshot. Tiredness was evident on his face.


    The moment Ameliaid her eyes on him, she noticed his face looked exhausted. Eventually, her eyes


    intertwined with Lucian''s eyes.


    "Do you feel okay? Are you sick?" Usually, Lucian appeared to be an energetic person but he looked


    like the opposite today. It was obvious that his energy ran out. In addition, he had bloodshot in his eyes.


    Earlier, Amelia was in a bad mood, but the winds quickly changed as she was now full of worry.


    In that instance, Lucian noticed the worried look on her face. Intentionally he yed a self-injury trick to


    stop Amelia from leaving and said, "I am not feeling well. I was bombarded with work these days. I


    identally caught a cold. I also did not sleep wellst night."


    After finishing his words, Lucian thoughtfully touched his forehead, looking exhausted.


    "If that¡¯s the case, why don''t you go to see a doctor?" Amelia''s heart fastened. She leaned over to


    Lucian''s side and gently said, "You should have a rest. I saw a medical kit in the roomst night. I¡¯ll


    check if there is any medicine for cold."


    Before Amelia walked away, she invited Lucian inside.


    As Lucian entered the door, a sly smile shed upon his face.


    While Amelia was taking the medical kit, Lucian pretended to cough severely.


    The sound of coughing made Amelia more nervous. She hurriedly held the medical kit and walked


    towards Lucian. As she opened the box, she asked, "Have you taken some medicines recently? If you


    haven''t, we should go to the hospital to get yourself checked."


    Unconsciously, due to her worry, a deep frown appeared in her face.


    Seeing that she cared about him, a part of Lucian¡¯s heart felt relieved. Making her anxious was not his


    intention, so he held her busy hands to calm her down and said, "I just didn¡¯t sleep wellst night. Don¡¯t


    worry too much. I can handle this."


    The truth was he almost got no sleepst night. When he arrived home in the morning, he fell asleep in


    bed for less than three hours.


    "I have found medicines for cold. You should take it. I¡¯ll get you a ss of water," Amelia said firmly.


    Lucian replied with a smile of happiness and wrapped his arms around her body.


    Shocked by Lucian¡¯s actions, Amelia dropped the box of pills on the ground and remained frozen.


    At that time, Lucian rubbed his head against her neck as if he was looking for the mostfortable


    position. Then he muttered in her ear, "Why are you so skinny? I can feel your bones and it hurts even


    if I just lean against it for a while."


    Although he wasining, his heart was being shattered.


    By the looks of her, Amelia''s body was way too thin. Lucian med himself for not taking good care of


    her.


    Amelia felt a warm feeling on her chest, spreading in every part of her body. A ticklish feeling rose


    inside her.


    "You need to take the medicine..." she said uneasily as she turned her face away.


    Their current position was so intimate, no words could escape Amelia¡¯s mouth. Burying his head in her


    arms, Lucian behaved like a spoiledzy cat. By the turn of events, Amelia wondered when this


    matured man began to act like a baby in front of her.


    "You are my medicine." After saying these words, Lucian held Amelia¡¯s face and passionately kissed


    her. All of a sudden, his sexy, thin lips covered her soft lips. He tossed and turned their positions, which


    increased the intensity of their kiss.


    Amelia gasped for air. Feeling suffocated, she gripped his shirt and tried to push him away. However, it


    was useless against him.


    Inch by inch, the kiss weakened her body. She stopped attempting to break the kiss, letting herself


    drown in their affection.


    For a long time, Lucian received poor treatment from Amelia. But at that time, she was hugging him


    tightly, which made him hesitant to let her go.


    After the affectionate kiss, Lucian released Amelia who immediately blushed and caressed her face.


    Every time he would force a kiss without precaution, she would be overwhelmed by this high-handed


    kisses.


    Amelia¡¯s heart was beating faster than ever before. She held out Lucian¡¯s hand and sadly said," You


    said you got a cold."


    "I¡¯m feeling a lot better now." Lucian was aloof enough to reply jokingly, "You don¡¯t have to worry. It¡¯s


    not infected."


    After hearing what he said, Amelia looked up and stared at him angrily.


    Being stared by her, Lucian felt embarrassed. Carefully, he touched his nose, bent over and picked up


    the medicines that she dropped on the ground. He held it in his hand and sincerely reminded her,


    "Pregnant women can¡¯t take medicines at will, remember?"


    Suddenly, his expression drastically changed as he became serious again.


    At that moment, Amelia did not know what she should feel. She was confused about whether she


    shouldugh or cry. Regardless of what happened, she still wanted to leave.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    As Lucian¡¯s face darkened, he said coldly, "You know I always stick to my words." Forcing Amelia to


    stay was never easy for Lucian, but that was his only way to ensure her safety.


    If Amelia was sent back to the Mo family, she would hear those dreadful words Sophia and her


    daughter used against her. In addition, the family members¡¯ kindness to her was based on their


    benefits.


    Just by hearing Lucian¡¯s voice, she could feel his anger. If she directly fought against him, it would not


    end well. Besides, she did not want to make trouble out of nothing. She calmly said, "Do you really


    intend to mix-up yourself with me for a lifetime?"


    "Yes and that''s final." His tone was determined, it was reflected in his eyes.


    Amelia ran out of words. Depending on the way he answered, she thought that Lucian would not


    change his mind if he already settled his mind to do it.


    "Mr. Lucian, about that, I... I really don¡¯t know how to face you. I am notfortable at all." Amelia


    touched her forehead out of frustration, pain could be seen in her expression.


    With his tired eyes, Lucian looked fixedly on her. Then, he stretched out his long arms and pulled her


    into his arms. Deep inside him, he was aware that Amelia did not want to talk to him, but he still


    trapped her in his embrace.


    For some reason, these kinds of outrageous actions were beneficial to Amelia. At first, she tried to stop


    it but failed, so she had no other choice but to do things his way.


    "I¡¯m tired. Allow me to rest for a while," he said with exhaustion, lying on her shoulder.


    Without a doubt, Amelia was mad at him. However, her heart softened the moment she heard the tired


    voice of Lucian. She stayed still and let him rest his head on her shoulder.


    Due to his tiredness, Lucian probably fell asleep after he said those words.


    Outside the window, the bright sunlight sprinkled all over the room through the floor to the ceiling


    window and shone over Lucian¡¯s well-proportioned face. Avoiding to disturb his peaceful sleep, Amelia


    gently moved his head to her knees as she tried to make his sleeping position morefortable.


    Amelia was clueless about why Lucian could not sleep wellst night and the reason he did not wake


    up at all.


    The straight nose bridge looked firmer in the soft light. The delicate features on his face were usually


    cold and afraid. However, at this moment, it was warm as the bright sunshine outside the window.


    The moment Lucian fell asleep was the only time for Amelia to drop her act. While pretending to be


    annoyed by his presence, she secretly wished to stare at his face. Her eyes were filled with love and


    longing she had been hiding in the deepest part of her heart for a long time.


    Amelia always kept in her mind the fact that Lucian had a wife. For that reason, she could not be too


    intimate with him. But seeing his tired face, she could not just put him away.


    As for this moment, the only thing she could do was to keep him close...


    Lucian smiled as if he had a good dream. His face was glowing with delight.


    The sun was already setting when Lucian woke up. Her body was covered by a thin nket.


    The light was off inside the room, due to darkness Lucian confusedly looked around. He felt


    ufortable until he found the light from the kitchen was on.


    Quietly standing in the kitchen¡¯s door, Lucian was watching Amelia who was busy in the kitchen. At this


    moment, he felt like they were back in the time when they were still married.


    He did not mean to scare Amelia. However, he was shocked when she turned around.


    "Have you been there for a long time? When did you wake up?" she said. When Lucian was fast


    asleep, Amelia thought he would sleep a little longer. Thus, she went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.


    The moment she turned around, she saw him staring at her quietly, which made her panic.


    Feeling sorry, Lucian scratched the back of his head. He noticed that Amelia was holding the dish in


    her hand, he reached for it and asked, "Are you done? Is the food ready? I''m feeling hungry."


    Those words came out of his mouth in a very natural manner, sounding like they were an old married


    couple who had lived together for more than ten years.


    Amelia¡¯s face blushed. Then, she smiled as she handed the food to Lucian and said, "There¡¯s still a


    soup left. Do not wait for me. You can eat first if you¡¯re hungry."


    "No, I''ll wait for you," he replied. Amelia mentioned that eating alone was bad for her. On the other


    hand, Lucian was used to handling himself and taking care of everything, so he did not mind at all.


    However, after their divorce, he deeply realized the pain of eating alone.


    A simple home-cooked dish of meat and a bowl of soup were more than enough for the both of them.


    "Go ahead. You should eat plenty to regain your energy." Amelia filled a bowl of rice for Lucian and


    served him with a smile.


    Seeing Amelia wearing a floral apron, a curve formed on Lucian''s lips as he felt happinessing from


    within.


    Amelia noticed the smile on his face and asked curiously, "Why are you smiling?" Undeniably she felt


    beyond happy when she saw his smile.

 Chapter 131 The Ex-Wife Becomes The Third Party

    Chapter 131 The Ex-Wife Bes The Third Party


    "This tastes like home," Lucian said as he sampled the food in front of him.


    "But the food Lily cooked is also very delicious," she meekly replied. Amelia initially thought that he was


    referring to the taste of the dishes, but she realized that he was enjoying the scenario more.


    She smiled as she ced her hands inside the big pockets of her pink apron. Lucian had carefully


    picked it for her because he wanted her to wear it for as long as she stayed there. And he hoped in his


    heart that Amelia would stay there for good.


    Lucian bought that vi a couple of years ago. At the time, he merely thought that the area looked


    peaceful and the air was quite pleasant. He considered it as a good ce to live in, but then things had


    changed. He saw that the vi could be more than just a house. It could be the home where he would


    live with Amelia and their baby.


    "Aren''t you hungry? What were you thinking of?" Amelia was putting more food into his te when she


    realized what she had just said and bit her tongue.


    Lucian snapped out of his daydream, and looked at Amelia with worry in his eyes.


    "Thank you..." he trailed off. These words moved Amelia but she took control not to show it in her


    expression.


    In his mind, Lucian wanted to call Amelia honey. But he also had to restrain himself. He decided to


    save it for when he had finally restored her title as Mrs.


    Dinner time was over in the blink of an eye. Lucian volunteered to wash the dishes but Amelia didn''t


    want to bother him with it. But after hearing him jokingly boast of his superb talent in dish washing,


    Amelia was only too happy to take him on his offer. She wanted to see what he was talking about.


    Leaning against the door frame, Amelia contentedly watched as Lucian took over the sink.


    Lucian watched her from the corner of his eyes. Wanting to make Ameliaugh, he tried to make a


    show out of dish washing by ying with the tes, pretending to toss them into the air to perform


    tricks.


    Amelia was ted to see Lucian''s smile, but she also feared for herself. She didn''t know how much


    more she could take before her true feelings for him were revealed.


    "Have you seen this? This is dish washing at its finest. I''m not just a pro at cleaning tes; I''m the


    master!" Lucian exaggerated.


    Amelia was about tough, but she chose to roll her eyes instead.


    "I guess that''s enough of that," Lucian said while putting the tes down to save himself from further


    embarrassment. "Actually, I can make a living out of just my handsome looks, but what I really want to


    do is serve the love of my life, so here I am, washing dishes for her. Am I not the sweetest?"


    He had gone up to her and had closed the gap between them.


    Amelia''s instinct was to panic. She quickly took a few steps back to maintain some distance from


    Lucian.


    Seeing this reaction, an expression of despair crossed Lucian''s face. With all seriousness, he said


    softly, "I''ll be leaving you now. Take care of yourself during the next couple of days." Once he''d finally


    settled everything, he could bring her back to his side and he desperately looked forward to it.


    "I will," Amelia said with mixed feelings, but she made the effort to smile at him.


    After seeing Lucian off, Amelia felt just how big and empty the vi was. She felt all of the happiness


    that Lucian made her feel a few moments ago drain from her heart, leaving her lonely and hurt.


    She hadn''t settled everything with Lucian, but Amelia agreed to stay in the vi as arranged by her ex-


    husband. She was initially hesitant to stay there alone, but the interiors of the house were very inviting


    and beautiful. When she wanted to stretch her legs, she would walk around the vast garden and smell


    the flowers. She particrly enjoyed the pavilion where she would stay for hours to listen at the soft


    gurgling sound from the fountain.


    Lucian didn''t visit her for the next three days. Bored and alone, Amelia was sitting in the living room


    surfing TV channels, when a particr bit of news caught her attention. It was a report about Lucian.


    The news anchor mentioned that it was the hottest news all over the city.


    It seemed that Zhan Group CEO Lucian was seen keeping in touch with his former wife, causing his


    current wife, Shelly of the An family, to attempt suicide...


    Amelia''s hands trembled so terribly that she dropped the remote control.


    Reading the headline at the bottom of the screen made the image even clearer in Amelia''s mind.


    Shock spread all over her body as she thought about Shelly and the repercussions of her own actions.


    It was her fault that Shelly tried to kill herself.


    Without so much as thinking, she rushed downstairs, crossed the big hall, and went straight to the door.


    The two tall guards stationed at the gates saw her dashing out and reached out to stop her. "What''s the


    matter, Miss Amelia?" one of the men asked politely. Amelia had been happily staying in that vi for


    three days. The two men thought it strange for her to be suddenly rushing out of the house.


    "I have to go. There''s something urgent I need to deal with," Amelia said directly. Anxiety made her


    voice shake as she spoke.


    "Miss Amelia, Mr. Lucian gave instructions that you weren''t allowed to leave the vi," one of the men


    replied.


    Amelia was already going through the pain and guilt of possibly having hurt Shelly. When she heard the


    guard deny her pleas, her worry turned to fury.


    "And what if I insist on going out?" she said firmly, raising her voice.


    She didn''t want to cause trouble for the guards who were only doing their job and following Lucian''s


    orders, but she hated the fact that they wouldn''t let her out no matter what.


    Amelia felt hopeless yet she tried to push back.


    "Answer me!" Her words only made the two men look at each other nkly. Not knowing what to do,


    they decided to call their master.


    Amelia said nothing as she waited for Lucian to finish giving instructions to the guards.


    If he wouldn''t let her out, she thought that she''d have to look for another way.


    "Miss Amelia, Mr. Lucian said that you are to wait for his arrival," the man who had been on the phone


    with Lucian said.


    Amelia scowled and shouted, "I don''t care if he''sing or not. Let me out or I''ll call the police!"


    She thought that threatening them would work, but neither of them reacted. Instead of worrying, they


    only felt embarrassed for her.


    Amelia didn''t like causing trouble for others. She wouldn''t have said those words under any other


    circumstance. Moreover, in her heart, Amelia wanted nothing more than to stay and wait for Lucian.


    But she felt terribly guilty about the things she heard on TV. She felt that she had to go to the hospital


    to see Shelly and exin herself.


    "Please let me out?" She had no choice but to beg them for she didn''t have ess to the gate.


    Opening it required their thumbprints on the scanner.


    Lucian held a certain influence over the city. Amelia knew that even if she tried calling the police, he


    could easily talk them into thinking that there had just been a simple misunderstanding. The police


    would not be able to help her, and seeing that the guards remained unflinching despite her pleas, she


    gave up and turned back to the house.


    "We''re sorry, Miss Amelia. Please understand, we''re just following orders," the taller of the two men


    called out to her.


    Amelia only nodded at him politely. She couldn''t me them after all. There was nothing left for her to


    do but head back to the house.


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Reaching her room, Amelia took out her phone and dialed Lucian''s number.


    The phone was ringing but there was no answer at the end of the line. This was the first time she had


    to wait for him to answer his phone. He usually picked it up during the first couple of rings. Amelia was


    fuming.


    She tried calling him over and over, but after more than five attempts, she had to ept that he didn''t


    want to answer.


    Amelia''s blood was boiling in her veins. She wanted to vent her anger, but it had never been in her


    nature to be violent. She only fumed until tears burst out of her eyes and her heart ached.


    She looked at everything there was in the room and felt lonely. What she once saw as a luxurious vi


    instantly turned into a cold and gray prison.


    Considering how the news had blown up over the city, Amelia thought that it was impossible for Lucian


    to not know about it. She wondered whether it was why Lucian refused to take her call.


    Amelia wasn''t worried about being judged by everyone as a third party to Lucian and Shelly''s marriage.


    She only thought about Shelly and how she didn''t want there to be a misunderstanding between them.


    Amelia had always known that Shelly''s feelings for Lucian were deep. And although her love for him


    had often times been cruel and selfish, it had also always been true.


    Her decision tomit suicide out of what she may have seen as betrayal on his part was enough


    proof of how deep her love was.


    Amelia was sick with anxiety. She thought that if it was only a minor injury, Shelly''s attempt would not


    make it to the news. She worried that the report may have kept other important details.


    After some thought, she decided to call Jonny. After all, he was Shelly''s brother. She thought that she


    would learn everything from him.


    She dialed his number and to her relief, Jonny quickly answered her call. Before Amelia could say


    anything, he immediately said, "It''s not true what they said in the news, Amelia. Shelly just sustained a


    minor head injury. She didn''t try to kill herself. Someone was making things up, probably trying to


    damage Lucian''s reputation and stir up trouble for Zhan Group."


    Jonny''s words put Amelia''s mind at ease. But she still worried over Shelly so she asked, "How''s Shelly


    now? Lucian... Did Mr. Lucian visit her?"


    Amelia felt it was ridiculous to ask as soon as the words were out of her mouth.


    She had never thought of getting in between Lucian and Shelly, but it seemed as if there was always


    this unexinable connection between her and Lucian.


    "Don''t worry about her. Mom''s taking care of Shelly in the hospital. She''ll be discharged in a few days


    or so," Jonny answered quickly.


    "Oh, I''m sorry, Jonny. Were you busy?" she asked after detecting impatience in his voice.


    "Yeah. I''m in the middle of an important meeting. I need to hang up now, Amelia, but I''ll call you when


    it''s done," Jonny said.


    "Okay. I just wanted to ask about Shelly. That''s it. Thank you," Amelia said before hanging up the


    phone.


    She was no longer as worried as she was before, but the guilt for having hurt Shelly remained in her


    heart.


    Courtney called herte in the afternoon and announced happily that she was back from her trip. But


    Amelia didn''t want to ask about her vacation. She casually asked, "Didn''t you say that you''d being


    back after a week? Why are you back so early?"

 Chapter 132 Amelia Could Not Be More Emotional

    Chapter 132 Amelia Could Not Be More Emotional


    Hearing the coldness in her tone, Courtney thought that Amelia was angry with her for leaving without


    saying goodbye so she tried her best to coax her over the phone, "Honey, I''m sorry. I know it''s my fault


    but don''t worry, I''ll be home early so I can apany you."


    Perhaps it was because she was so preupied in her own thoughts coupled with her misery but


    sullenly, she responded, "I don''t needpany."


    Amelia wasn''t childish by any standard. Sometimes, she would snap but she rarely evershed out. So


    upon hearing Amelia''s ungratefulness, Courtney grew furious. She roared, "Amelia, what is it with you


    today? You''re being so annoying! Where the hell are you anyway? I''ll go where you are so I can


    apologize to you!"


    Upon hearing this, Amelia felt a little hope arise in her heart. She asked tentatively, "Courtney, if you


    come here, can you take me with you?"


    "Sure, just give me the address," Courtney replied bluntly.


    After giving Courtney the address, Amelia was in a much better mood now. Standing in front of the


    French window, she patiently waited for Courtney.


    When Courtney finally arrived, Amelia was surprised to see that not only did she note alone but


    she also rode with Lucian toe here!


    "I thought you were..." Amelia''s voice trailed off. She thought Courtney was picking her up. She


    wondered why Courtney woulde here with Lucian. However, she decided to not say anything upon


    ncing at him.


    "Amelia, Lucian asked me toe and live with you." Courtney was very enthusiastic. She took


    Amelia''s hand and walked into the vi. In amazement, Courtney scanned the vi as shemented,


    "Just half of this ce is already bigger than my entire house! How rich are you, Mr. Lucian?"


    Lucian merely chuckled, stealing a nce at Amelia every now and then. He could tell how displeased


    she was about the entire situation.


    As Courtney continued to look around the vi, Amelia asked Lucian in a cold voice, "I heard Miss


    Shelly''s in the hospital?"


    Lucian frowned at the tone of Amelia''s question. He felt a slight twinge in his heart as he pressed his


    lips together, not saying a word.


    Amelia thought he wasn''t responding out of guilt so she added rather snidely, "Courtney''s here which


    means I can leave now."


    She couldn''t quite put her finger on it but she felt as if she was going to explode any minute now. It was


    as if she had been repressing all these simmering feelings for so long and it was just seeping out now.


    The tartness in her tone and the anger in her eyes were a result of built-up emotions.


    Lucian kept his gaze on her for what seemed like the longest second before finally agreeing, "Well, if


    you''re still not used to being here, I can move you somewhere else but I can only do itter this week."


    Lucian figured that by then, he would have settled everything already which meant Amelia coulde


    home with him already. There was no need to put more distance between them.


    Nheless, he wholeheartedly understood why Amelia was mad.


    Lucian was basically saying that she still had to stay here for the entire week. She didn''t know why he


    insisted on her living here but it made her ufortable. The longer she stayed here, the more she felt


    uneasy.


    "Lucian, I''m not a kid anymore!" she protested. Why couldn''t she decide on her own? She had her own


    thoughts and feelings that rightfully deserved to be heard too.


    At this moment, she was blinded by her anger that she wasn''t able to control her voice.


    Courtney, who was initially busy looking around, immediately heard Amelia''s raised voice. In response,


    she hurriedly ran downstairs and asked in confusion, "Amelia? What''s wrong? Why are you yelling at


    Lucian?"


    Courtney couldn''t understand why Amelia would get mad at Lucian.


    "I was forced to be here and it''s not like I could do anything because he''s rich and powerful! Do I not


    have the right to be mad at that?" Amelia knew she was making a mountain out of a molehill but all she


    really cared about at that point was leaving that vi right away. She didn''t want to be the cause of any


    misunderstandings between Lucian and Shelly.


    Shelly was in the hospital because of this and Amelia''s guilt was already eating her away.


    Suddenly, Lucian''s eyes dimmed as he shifted to his usual indifferent demeanor. He then shifted his


    gaze on Amelia as he opened his mouth. In a voice as clear as day, he spoke, "I need you to listen to


    me right now no matter what you''re feeling."


    His tone was stern and his voice indicated that he was not leaving this up for discussion.


    Amelia couldn''t help but sneer. ''Wasn''t this always the case?'' she thought. Even though Lucian had his


    fair share of sweet moments, it never reallysted. Once she pissed him off, there was no turning back.


    Courtney couldn''t help but feel a bit awkward and partly scared upon noticing the grim looks on both


    Amelia and Lucian''s faces. Hesitantly, she chimed in, "I thought you two were crazy about each other?


    Calm down."


    Amelia red at Courtney and said coldly, "If you''re not leaving then I am!"


    "Amelia, what are you doing?" Courtney grabbed her arm as she said seriously, "I told my parents that I


    was living with you at home and now you''re leaving? Where are we going to end up then?"


    "This is not my home!" she said icily, looking sullen.


    Courtney cowered in the face of an angry Amelia. She quickly nced at Lucian before returning her


    gaze at Amelia. Looking at Amelia softly, she said, "This may not be your home but it''s Lucian''s and


    he''s the father of the baby. You shouldn''t get mad at him."


    Surprisingly, Amelia only grew more furious. She didn''t know if it was Courtney''s words or if it was just


    the fact that she was taking Lucian''s side.


    "This baby is mine. He doesn''t have to be involved. If you want to stay here then stay! But I''m leaving!"


    As Amelia spoke, she failed to notice the angry look on Lucian''s face.


    Despite this, Lucian still couldn''t stand the idea of leaving her and their baby behind.


    "Courtney, stay with Amelia. I''ll be back in a couple of days," Lucian instructed in a cold voice.


    "Lucian, don''t worry. I will take good care of her," Courtney agreed without hesitation.


    Mouth agape, Amelia couldn''t believe what was happening. She was so angry that she was unable to


    say a word.


    As she watched Lucian walk away, she angrily followed him. She bellowed, "Really? You''re just going


    to leave like that?!"


    Amelia couldn''t believe how unfair Lucian was being to Shelly who was in the hospital right now. The


    thought of this made her so upset.


    "Amelia, stop acting like a hero. Why do you do that? Why do you think you''re such a hero? What


    about you would make you a hero in the first ce?" Lucian narrowed his eyes, his eyes gleaming


    sharply as he kept his gaze fixed on Amelia.


    As much as he hated saying all of these to her, he disliked even more how she was prioritizing other


    people''s feelings over his.


    Amelia just wanted Lucian to be responsible and fulfill his role as Shelly''s husband. However, how


    could she make him understand that? Lucian didn''t love Shelly. He loved her¡ªAmelia. He wanted to be


    with her and their unborn child.


    Stunned, tears had started welling up under Amelia''s eyes.


    She couldn''t tell if what was bothering her were Lucian''s words or their current situation.


    "Don''t be upset anymore. Lucian did this to protect you and your baby. Please don''t me him,"


    Courtney said soothingly. She had walked towards where Amelia was after Lucian had left, taking her


    hand as a way tofort her.


    "Courtney, do you really think I should stay here?" She shouldn''t be involved with a married man like


    Lucian in the first ce.


    Whenever she thought of this, she felt her heart twisting in pain and confusion.


    "Did you forget how painful it was for him when you suddenly divorced him? You didn''t even say


    goodbye to him. He''s still in love with you..." Courtney knew that Amelia was soft hearted and she only


    did that for Lucian''s sake. However, upsetting Amelia was thest thing she wanted. After all, Lucian


    would definitely make up with Ameliater that week.


    "So what should I do?" Amelia blurted out as tears streamed down her face.


    Courtney grabbed a tissue to wipe the tears off Amelia''s face. Sheforted her, "Well, Lucian said we


    can leave after a week. Let''s just wait for that."


    Amelia knew that nothing could change his mind so she just bit her lips and didn''t say anything more.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    As soon as Lucian left the vi, he immediately got in his car.


    He thought back to thest words he''d said to Amelia, a mixture of feelings surging in his heart. He


    hated talking to her like that as he felt that it hurt him even more than it did her.


    Just then, he received a call from the hospital telling him that he needed to be there as soon as Shelly


    woke up.


    The An Group was a mess. Edmund and Jonny were in a power struggle over the An Group.


    Meanwhile, Lucian was just waiting for the right time to attack and weaken Edmund''s power so he


    could finally terminate his marriage with Shelly.


    Shelly was confined in the biggest hospital in the city. As shey in her bed, she looked out the window,


    her eyes nk. When she heard about what was going on in the An Group, sadness immediately filled


    her.


    She was the one who had offered help to the Zhan Group when they fell into a crisis. Their agreement


    was that if Lucian married her, the An Group would help the Zhan Group through their crisis. However,


    with the way things were going, Lucian would hate her more let alone fall in love with her.


    "Shelly, I cooked some porridge for you. You need to eat something since you just woke up," Emma


    gently said as she made her way to Shelly''s bed.


    Shelly cast a hateful look at her and used, "I bet your son garnered a lot of your support for what he


    did, huh?"


    As soon as she woke up, the first thing she did was call Edmund. Even though the person she really


    wanted to see first was Lucian, she knew that the person who was going to listen to her was Edmund.


    Despite everything, the person she still trusted the most was him.

 Chapter 133 Pretend To Be Poor In Front Of Him

    Chapter 133 Pretend To Be Poor In Front Of Him


    Edmund thundered at the other end of the line. He said that in addition to Lucian, Jonny had stirred up


    all the shareholders of the An Group, forcing Edmund to give up his position as the CEO.


    Emma''s hand quivered when she heard Shelly''s question¡ªso much so that she almost spilled her


    porridge. Thankfully, she was quickly able to gather herself. Smiling, she said, "You just woke up. You


    shouldn''t be thinking about these things yet."


    Shelly pushed the bowl away, her eyes gleaming in anger. "Am I really your daughter? Why is it that


    you''re so focused on protecting your son so much?"


    Back when Shelly was still a child, she felt as if Emma didn''t really care about her. Although Emma was


    kind to her, it wasn''t really the same as how she was with Jonny. It seemed as if Emma cared more


    about Jonny than she did Shelly.


    Emma''s face darkened. She apologized, "I''m sorry. I neglected your feelings all these years."


    "Do you think that''s enough?" Shelly sneered as she red at her mother, eyes filled with


    resentfulness. "What? Have you been waiting for this day all your life? You willingly take insults and


    humiliation just so your son can have the power in the family? Are you proud, huh?"


    Surprised, Emma didn''t expect that Shelly, at her young age, would be upying her mind with these


    kinds of things and assumptions.


    "Shelly, we''re family, not enemies." This only made Shelly even angrier.


    "Family?" Shelly snorted and bit back, "Did you ever hug me?"


    "Shelly, I know I wasn''t exactly the perfect mother to you but trust me when I say that I love you and


    Jonny equally," Emma exined anxiously. She just wanted to let Shelly know how much she loved her


    amidst all this.


    "You don''t need to exin yourself to me because you''re a hypocrite!" Shelly kept her gaze fixed on


    Emma, her eyes icy cold.


    Emma trembled, bitterness filling her heart.


    Meanwhile, the door of the ward suddenly flew open. Emma figured it was Jonny since she''d called him


    when Shelly woke up.


    "Dad..." Shelly called, her voice revealing that she was upset.


    While Emma was surprised, she kept herposure on the outside.


    She knew that it was Shelly who had called Edmund because she definitely didn''t.


    "Does your head still hurt? Are you feeling any better?" Edmund walked to Shelly''s bedside, took her


    hand, and looked at her with concern.


    As Emma watched this entire scene unfold, she couldn''t help but feel warm in her heart. Seeing


    Edmund like this was a nice change to his usual demeanor.


    "Can you leave?" Shelly said snidely as she cast Emma a cold nce.


    Temporarily taken aback, Emma nodded and handed the bowl of porridge to Edmund. "She just woke


    up so she needs to eat."


    Edmund looked coldly at Emma as he took the bowl. Disgruntled, he said, "Looks like your son''s


    be more capable."


    His voice wasced with irony which hurt Emma deeply.


    "Well, her son''s capable because his mother encourages him," Shelly chimed in, echoing Edmund''s


    sentiments.


    Emma felt as if a knife was cutting through her heart. However, she was already used to being


    misunderstood so she had no problems dealing with the pain.


    "Dad, is the An Group really going to be owned by Jonny now?" Shelly asked anxiously as soon as


    Emma left.


    She didn''t care who took control of the An Group. The only thing she cared about was her marriage


    with Lucian even though it was only a business deal.


    Edmund looked worried upon hearing this. Growing anxious, he frowned as he spoke, "Lucian is...


    definitely not on our side. They have something on me. If I don''t do as they say, I could end up in jail."


    At this point, Edmund was trapped¡ªthere was no way this whole situation was going to turn out in his


    favor and his priority right now was keeping himself safe.


    "Are you saying that you''re going to give up the An Group already?" Shelly asked in horror, her heart


    pounding in her chest.


    "Why would I want to do that willingly? The An Group is my life''s work. If I had my way, this wouldn''t be


    happening. I just can''t understand how it''s slowly slipping away from my hands." Edmund didn''t want to


    be in this power struggle with Jonny anymore. If they continued like this, it was going to be a matter of


    life and death for both of them. He knew that everything he had worked hard for in his entire life was for


    Jonny but it seemed that Jonny''s prioritiesy elsewhere. Jonny was doing all of this as revenge on


    behalf of Emma.


    "I''m begging you. Please think of a way! There has to be another way!" Shelly urged him. Tears welling


    up, she added, "I can''t lose Lucian. What do I have to live for if I don''t have him with me?"


    "Don''t even mention that name to me!" Edmund snapped, eyes furious.


    If it were not for Lucian''s help, Jonny never could have roped in all those shareholders of the An Group.


    Shelly grew quiet upon hearing this. When Edmund had noticeably calmed down, she asked cautiously,


    "Dad, can you think of a way to give Lucian a hard time?"


    "A hard time?" Edmund was immediately lost in thought. A bit nervous, his eyes lit up as if he''d thought


    of something. After a momentary pause, he finally spoke, "Well, you were injured because of Lucian.


    You can use that to your advantage. Threaten him if you have to so you can get what you want."


    With that, Edmund felt as if Shelly had given him new insights which put him in a much better mood.


    Nodding in agreement, Shelly said, "All right, dad, do what you have to do but I really don''t believe


    Lucian is as cold-hearted as you believe he is."


    "In that case, you have to figure out his weakness then so we can hit him where it hurts," Edmund


    added.


    "Dad, don''t worry. I''m willing to do anything for the man I love." She was ready to risk everything


    because that was how much she loved Lucian.


    Just as they had finished talking, someone came knocking on the door.


    Briefly exchanging nces, Edmund opened the door.


    "What are you doing here?" With a hint of displeasure in his tone, Edmund turned around and said to


    Shelly, "Shelly, now that the person you''ve been wanting to see is here, I''ll get going then."


    "Dad..." Shelly eximed, pretending to be upset.


    "Be good to my daughter..." Before leaving, he reached out and patted Lucian on the shoulder.


    Lucian couldn''t help but be a little confused. With the way things were going at the An Group, he would


    have expected that Edmund would be more hostile towards him, not calm like this.


    The room reeked of the smell of disinfectant fluid, the air extremely chilly.


    Lucian stood in front of the bed as he asked Shelly in concern, "How are you feeling now? Is there


    something wrong?"


    After all, Lucian med himself for her ident so when he spoke, his tone was soft and gentle.


    However, the care he showed Shelly waspletely tonic, the same way he would care for a sister.


    This gentle tone did not go unnoticed by Shelly. Her once knitted brows immediately smoothed out as a


    smile spread across her face. "Lucian, don''t worry. I''m not ming you."


    She only said this in an attempt to please Lucian but it seemed as if it didn''t work as in his mind, he


    was frowning.


    N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    "Oh, Lucian, my father was just about to feed me porridge when you arrived. He already left so would


    you mind helping me?" Shelly pleaded as she nced at the bowl of porridge sitting on the table. She


    tried her best to look as miserable as possible in order to gain Lucian''s sympathy.


    Catching sight of the bowl of porridge, Lucian had no choice but to agree.


    When Lucian grabbed the bowl, a glimmer of hope immediately arose in Shelly''s eyes. In excitement,


    she was already racking her mind for a way to stop Lucian from leaving.


    "Open your mouth," Lucian said emotionlessly as he fed a spoonful of porridge to Shelly''s mouth.


    Shelly came to herself immediately and obediently opened her mouth.


    Before Shelly could even swallow the porridge, the door of the ward flew open once again as Jonny


    entered followed by Emma.


    The moment Shelly caught sight of the two, the smile on her face evaporated as it was reced with


    dissatisfaction in her eyes.


    "Shelly, Jonny came here especially to see you." Emma was trying her best to repair Shelly and


    Jonny''s broken rtionship these years.


    "Well, I don''t want to see him," Shelly refused without hesitation.


    Jonny''s face was unreadable. He said lightly, "Well, since you''re angry with me that means that this


    isn''t anything serious. Lucian, let''s go."


    "Jonny, you''re free toe and go as you please but you have no right to take Lucian with you." Shelly


    grew furious at the thought of Jonny taking Lucian with him.


    "Shelly, don''t get mad. Your brother only wants to talk with Lucian because they''re in business together.


    That''s it. It doesn''t mean anything else," Emma tried to exin.


    This only provoked Shelly further especially that Emma was once again defending Jonny. Her eyes full


    of resentment, she snapped, "You always take Jonny''s side no matter what. Is this what you mean


    when you say you love us equally?"


    Emma was rendered speechless.


    Herck of a response didn''t mean that Shelly was right, she just didn''t want to infuriate Shelly even


    more. After all, Shelly had just woken up and the doctor did say that she was going to be emotionally


    unstable for a while.


    "Shelly, you can do whatever you want to me but when ites to mom, I''m drawing the line. Why are


    you yelling at her?" Jonny''s pet peeve was his mom being mistreated and being yelled at so he didn''t


    care that Shelly just woke up¡ªhe was angry and he wasn''t going to just stand by and do nothing.


    "Jonny, you''re her brother," Emma said sternly.


    "Do you and your son enjoy taking advantage of me when I''m sick and helpless?" Shelly taunted,


    frowning. Then she turned to Lucian and whined, "Lucian, I want to go home already. I don''t want to


    stay here anymore."


    Shelly believed that if she acted weak and miserable, Lucian would take pity on her.


    "I talked to the doctor just now and he said that since you just woke up, you need to stay in the hospital


    for at least a week," Lucian said calmly, feeling a little ufortable.

 Chapter 134 Shelly Went Into A Coma Again

    Chapter 134 Shelly Went Into A Coma Again


    Shelly was still in the hospital. Apparently, Edmund was the culprit behind the spread of the rumor that


    shemitted suicide because of love. He was trying to destroy Lucian''s reputation, which would, in


    turn, have a bad influence on the reputation of the Zhan Group.


    "But I don''t want to see them!" Shelly said pointedly, grabbing Lucian''s white shirt and pointing at


    Emma and Jonny.


    "Mom, I''ve already hired someone to take care of her. Now, since she doesn''t want to ept our


    kindness, you don''t have to stay here and waste your time," Jonny said to Emma, feeling guilty. After


    that, he turned to look at Lucian and said, "Lucian,e with me."


    Shelly''s face suddenly turned pale. With much urgency, she grabbed Lucian''s clothes and wouldn''t let


    him go. "Lucian," she said, her tone desperate. "I''m... I''m feeling a sharp pain in the back of my head.


    Please stay here with me." Using her incredible acting skills, she was able to shed convincing tears.


    Lucian forcefully shook Shelly''s grip off of him. "I have something else to deal with. I''lle back to


    see you after work." His voice was deep but it was devoid of any kind of emotion.


    The expression on Shelly''s face changed dramatically. With Lucian evidently not caring about her and


    her welfare, she broke down and cried, "I don''t care! I''m hurt because of you! You must stay with me!"


    "Really, Shelly? Are you really doing this right now?" Jonny said, his voice imbued with annoyance.


    "You''re an embarrassment!" He came over and grabbed Shelly''s wrist tightly, also trying to force her to


    let go of Lucian''s coat.


    Shelly saw that and instantly recognized the opportunity it was presenting. She took hold of Jonny''s


    arm and pulled herself out of bnce. With a loud thud, she fell to the ground, to the surprise of


    everyone.


    "Shelly!" Emma shouted as she rushed over to Shelly. She held her in her arms and said anxiously,


    "Jonny, call the doctor!"


    Shelly didn''t expect that she would hit her head on the floor that hard. All she wanted to do was to


    pretend to fall, but now, she was unconscious.


    Lucian, despite his demeanor earlier, quickly came to Shelly''s aid as what happened worried him so


    much. Gently, he carried her and put her on the bed.


    As doctors arrived and tests were conducted, Shelly''s condition became clear: she was in aa


    because of the fall.


    Because of that, Lucian had no choice but to stay by her side at the hospital. Emma stayed with him


    and brought him food, but Jonny had to return to the An Group because he had to take care of various


    things.


    In a vi in the south of the city, Amelia was in deep thought as she looked out the window.


    "Amelia, it''s time to eat." Courtney seldom cooked, but after she found out that Amelia was not in a


    good mood, she took it upon herself to prepare food. When everything was ready, she immediately


    called Amelia.


    She tried her best to look as jolly as possible for her friend.


    Amelia gave Courtney a puzzled stare the moment the smell of the food hit her nose. It made it clear


    that Courtney wasn''t really someone who regrly cooked.


    "I think this is my apology..." Courtney started, scratching her head. "I am so sorry for disappearing for


    so many days." Her lips contorted into a weird smile, which was confusing and endearing at the same


    time.


    "Did you poison these?" Amelia asked, as she looked at everything that wasid out on the table. They


    were all burned. There was only one thing that seemed edible¡ªtomato soup, nheless it looked


    highly unappetizing.


    "Okay, girl," Courtney replied, sounding defensive. "You know that I am not a good cook. Kent has


    always cooked for me and whenever I''m alone, I only eat ready-to-eat products!" At the mention of


    Kent, her face flushed red and a shy smile appeared on her lips. It seemed that her hate for the man


    had already vanished.


    Amelia found this strange and looked at Courtney with a curious expression on her face. "Okay. Did


    you go on a trip or something?" she asked.


    Courtney''s family was rich, and as with all rich families, it was normal for them to travel around the


    world all the time. What Amelia could not understand was why she had to lie to her about being always


    in the shop.


    Courtney''s face froze. It seemed that Amelia had already found her out. With a quiet, embarrassed


    voice she exined, "I... I have made up with Kent."


    Amelia was stunned beyondprehension. "What? What did you say?" she asked, her eyes wide.


    She didn''t expect that they would ever get back together! Her surprise quickly simmered down when


    she saw how, despite being gravely embarrassed, happy Courtney was. With a calm tone she asked,


    "Is that true?"


    She remembered how Courtney told her that Melissa was pregnant with Kent''s child and that even if


    they were still in love with each other, the reality was that they couldn''t be together. They were two


    parallel rivers that weren''t bound to meet.


    "It happened so fast, Amelia," Courtney exined, her cheeks bing redder and redder. "I am still


    shocked by myself." Despite her embarrassment, the twinkle in her eyes could not hide how happy she


    felt.


    For Amelia, this was a good development. She and Courtney had been friends for the longest time, and


    if Kent was the one who would make Courtney happy, Amelia would support it.


    "Now I understand why you always hid when you were talking to me on the phone. Maybe you were


    with Kent!" Amelia yfully said,ughing. During moments like these, she felt that her sadness was


    alleviated, albeit by just a bit. She then started eating, but the moment she put the spoon inside her


    mouth, she could not help but spit out what she was trying to ingest. "What is this, Courtney! Are you


    trying to kill me and my child?" she shrieked.


    "No, I''m not!" Courtney responded defensively. "You should me it on Kent! He''s spoiled me rotten!"


    At the thought of Kent cooking, cleaning, and just taking good care of her, Courtney couldn''t help but


    blush even more.


    Amelia then said, "The chicken soup I made would be enough for the both of us. I will get that. I think


    I''d also cook some vegetables."


    "Wait, what? Is the food really that bad?" Courtney couldn''t believe the way Amelia reacted and so she


    herself decided to try the food. While she admitted that they weren''t the best, it could not be that


    unbearable. However, upon having her first spoonful, she found herself unable to swallow anything


    solely based on the food''s taste. She cried out, "I thought these are alright! These are all terrible!"


    Courtney''s reaction amused Amelia so much. She wanted to tease her more, but she decided that she


    needed to heat their food already so that they would be able to eat. Quickly, she made her way to the


    kitchen, reheated the soup, and made another vegetable dish. Soon, she put everything on the table


    and they started eating. "Since you and Kent have already made up," Amelia started, her tone yful.


    "I think it would be great if we hang out with him. Maybe we could go on a holiday trip together?"


    She wanted to leave this ce, but she couldn''t reveal her true motivations. Courtney''s happiness was


    something she needed to take advantage of.


    Unexpectedly, Courtney replied, "Sure! After this week, let''s celebrate!"


    However, upon hearing that, the smile on Amelia''s face immediately disappeared. Somehow, it seemed


    like she was annoyed at this development.


    "By the way, Lucian has done so many things for you. Remember One Meter Sunshine? He paid a lot


    of money for that," Courtney revealed. "You know what? From now on, you should manage that shop


    yourself!" The reason why Courtney told Amelia the truth was that she hoped Amelia would stop


    misunderstanding Lucian. She was also hoping that through what she said, she would be able to help


    mend the rtionship between the two.


    "What did you say?" Amelia asked. As she did, she tried to recall the events that happened after she


    went to One Meter Sunshine. ''I knew that something was odd at that ce. It couldn''t just be


    coincidental, '' she thought, her eyebrows now furrowed.


    ''I knew that there was a reason why Carlotta wanted to sell me One Meter Sunshine and why she


    agreed to transfer it to me so quickly!'' Everything was really starting to make sense to Amelia now.


    "Please don''t get me wrong," Courtney begged. "I''m not just epting Lucian''s generous offer. He


    really, really cares about you. That''s why I''m willing to stick my neck out for him." The look on


    Courtney''s face was genuine. Amelia''s, on the other hand, was bing colder and colder.


    She wasn''t angry with Courtney because she understood that what she was doing was out of her


    genuine care for her. However, every time she remembered the rtionship she and Lucian had, she


    couldn''t help but feel incredibly ufortable. She didn''t want toe between his and Shelly''s


    happiness.


    "Maybe I shouldn''t give birth to this baby," she suddenly whispered after a few moments of silence. A


    wave of sadness hit her, and she felt like she was drowning.


    If she hadn''t gotten pregnant, Lucian wouldn''t be chasing after her like this.


    "Bullshit!" Courtney shouted, her face now contorted with surprise, disbelief, and anger. She knew that


    Amelia was not making any sense, and so she tried to reason with her. "Look here, Amelia. I know for a


    fact that even if you don''t have this baby, Lucian still wouldn''t leave you. He loves you! Besides, I know


    that you won''t kill your own child because you are far from being a heartless monster!"


    Right after hearing that, Amelia''s consciousness came back to her. She felt her heart tremble, and she


    began to regret all the words she had just said.


    She rubbed her belly and apologized in her heart.


    "Don''t let him down," Courtney said. "Just stay here for as long as he wanted. When everything''s


    settled, we can leave." Her face was serious. She was not going to let Amelia say no to her.


    With tears in her eyes, Amelia agreed.


    She had no idea that Lucian had done a lot of things for her in secret. She remembered all the times


    she treated him badly, and she felt incredibly guilty.


    The more she wanted to distance herself from him, the more he insisted on being close to her.


    Eerie silence nketed the hospital as night fell.


    "Lucian, go home and get some rest. I''ll be taking care of Shelly," Emma said, feeling bad for Lucian as


    he had been by Shelly''s side the whole day.


    Lucian looked out of the window. It was already dark outside.


    It had been an incredibly long day. Before he left, he thanked Emma and reminded her of some


    important things. Emma said she understood and patted him on the back, as if to say that everything


    would be alright. He then put on his coat and walked out of Shelly''s room.


    A crowd of reporters were already waiting for him outside the in-patient department. Since it was


    already sote in the night, he didn''t expect that they would be there. The shes of their cameras


    blinded him and so he decided to retreat for the time being.


    Frowning, he took out his mobile phone and called his assistant, Eric, to ask him toe to the


    hospital as soon as possible.


    "Mr. Lucian, there''s a rumor going around that Miss Shelly tried tomit suicide because you were


    neglecting her. Is that true?"


    "Mr. Lucian, you look so tired. Is that because you have been taking care of Miss Shelly the whole


    day?"


    "Mr. Lucian, do you know about the changes that has happened in the An Group?"


    "Mr. Lucian, I heard that you still love your ex-wife, Amelia. How true is that?"


    Chaos ensued in the lobby. Every reporter wanted to ask every question, and they all wanted answers


    from Lucian. Lucian debated on staying silent, but the questions were too personal to ignore.


    His expression became noticeably more hostile than usual, and with his sexy thin lips, he said coldly,


    "It''s not appropriate for me to answer any of your personal questions."


    N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    "How is Miss Shelly now?" one reporter asked eagerly.


    "Miss Shelly is safe and is in a stable condition. Thank you for your concern." While Lucian was


    handsome and charismatic, his aura had always been cold. That was why people always had trouble


    approaching him.


    Soon, Eric, along with four bodyguards, arrived at the hospital to fetch Lucian. He was used to this kind


    of media frenzy, but it seemed that this time around, an unprecedented number of reporters flocked the


    hospital.


    It was particrly impressive because it was alreadyte in the night. Slowly, he, the bodyguards, and


    Lucian made their way through the crowd of reporters and into the car outside the hospital.


    "Mr. Lucian, the reporters have been ordered to go home. They also promised not to write any reports


    about you tomorrow," Eric reported respectfully after they all got in the car.

 Chapter 135 I Want A Divorce

    Chapter 135 I Want A Divorce


    After a whole day''s work, Lucian was a little exhausted. Unfortunately, these trifles were even more


    worrying than all of his business matters.


    Closing his eyes, he kept silent and tried to sort things out in his head.


    "Mr. Lucian, shall I send you back to the SJ Garden now?" Eric asked tentatively.


    "No. Bring me to a hotel somewhere close by." The vi was now a ce that didn''t have Amelia in it.


    Going back would just bring in too much loneliness in his heart.


    If he had a choice, Lucian would have gone to the Amelia''s vi in the south city just so that he could


    see her. But given with what had happened, he had to control himself.


    Meanwhile, Amelia felt as if she had lost contact with the outside world. The only that kept her days a


    little less boring was when Courtney turned on the TV in the morning, watching the news about the


    current situation.


    "Amelia,e and have a look!" Courtney cried out excitedly as she gnawed on a corn cob.


    At that time, Amelia was cooking some soup. Turning the stove off, she walked to the living room


    curiously. "What is it?"


    "Look. The An Group is really owned by someone else now," Courtney said, pointing at the TV. "Jonny


    has taken over thepany."


    A shiver ran up Amelia''s spine, her eyes widening in disbelief. On the screen, Jonny was dressed in a


    ck suit, beaming widely. There were reporters all around him, and he was answering all their


    questions eagerly.


    "Amelia, you must be quite a catch! Both of the men vying for you are so incredible. If ever you don''t


    end up with Lucian, you can always fall back to Jonny!" Courtney eximed as her eyes were firmly


    glued onto the screen.


    ''Why did Jonny do that?'' Amelia thought, ignoring what Courtney had said. ''I thought he wasn''t


    interested in the An Group...''


    "Hey, why are you so quiet?" Courtney asked, waving her hand in front of Amelia''s face. "Aren''t you


    happy? This is good news for you!" Courtney turned off the TV and lightly shook Amelia''s shoulder. It


    wasn''t enough bring her out of her daze however. Then she burst intoughter, "I can''t help but feel so


    thrilled at the thought of the old saying that the lovers finally get married..."


    "You just want to be back with Kent," Amelia said as she rolled her eyes. She couldn''t understand why


    Courtney was so excited about this.


    She thought Courtney was just happy about her getting back with Kent. In reality, Courtney was


    actually talking about Amelia and Lucian.


    Later that afternoon, Lucian received a call from the hospital that Shelly had woken up.


    He was already nning to go to the hospital before he got the call. And so, right after hanging up, he


    immediately drove to the hospital.


    As soon as he walked into the ward, the first thing he noticed was Nichs and Fannie. With a straight


    face, he walked over towards them.


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    "Hi, Lucian," Emma moved aside and smiled politely.


    Nichs also smiled at Lucian, looking as gentle and kind as usual. In contrast, Fannie did not look as


    if she was too pleased to see him. "Lucian, in case you''ve forgotten, Shelly is your wife," she


    reprimanded him. "How can you be so careless!"


    Narrowing his eyes, Lucian just sneered angrily at Fannie.


    "Mom, please don''t me Lucian," Shelly said in a weak voice.


    Immediately, Fannie looked over at Shelly with worry written all over her face. But, she then turned


    back to Lucian and red at him with even more anger. "You listen to me carefully," she said, pointing


    a finger at him. "A woman who loves you will always forgive you for whatever wrong you might do. A


    woman who doesn''t love you will leave you once you get into trouble."


    It was obvious that Fannie was directly attacking Amelia. Atst, Lucian couldn''t control his anger any


    longer. "Wasn''t Amelia the one I really chose? The person who I got married to? Did you even ever


    treat her as your daughter-inw? And don''t act so immacte. You know exactly why Amelia divorced


    me!"


    Fury surged up in Lucian''s heart.


    Fannie gritted her teeth as she looked at Lucian with scorn. Quickly, she turned to Nichs, hoping that


    he would back her up. "Since Shelly doesn''t me Lucian, let''s just leave it in the past," Nichs said


    in a t tone. "Let''s maintain the good rtionship between the An family and the Zhan family. Any


    arguments will lead to theplete ruin of our harmony."


    Hearing this, Fannie squinted her eyes in disbelief.


    "Nichs is right. Let''s just pretend this never happened." Emma nodded in agreement.


    At that moment, Shelly looked at Emma with resentment, endlessly cursing in her heart.


    "Emma, I''m just trying to defend your daughter. So what now? Are you telling me I got into all that


    trouble for nothing?" Fannie sneered coldly.


    "You know me better than that, Fannie. We have been friends for so many years after all," Emma


    hurriedly exined.


    Crossing her arms over her chest, Fannie raised her eyebrow at Emma. "Maybe you should ept the


    fact that you''re just docile, Emma," she snapped back.


    Although Emma was taken aback by what Fannie said, she just shed a faint smile.


    "Stop talking nonsense!" Nichs cried out, clenching his fist.


    "Was there something wrong about what I said?" Fannie continued. It seemed like she wasn''t nning


    to go down without a fight. "Really, Emma... You are no better than a servant in the An family. No


    wonder people always bully you --"


    "Just stop already!" Lucian interjected. There was a look of hate and disgust on his face as he nced


    at Fannie. "Auntie is a humble woman. Despite that, she gets a lot of respect from other people.


    Meanwhile, people only know about you because you''re such an awful person!"


    It was really disappointing for him whenever Fannie teased other people like this.


    Emma was such a kind-spoken person that it was difficult for him to just ignore Fannie''s words.


    "Ha ha, do you think you can ignore me just because I''m your aunt?" asked Fannie, who was sensitive


    enough to decipher Lucian''s words.


    "Mom, Lucian, stop arguing," Shelly said in a strained voice.


    "Hush now, Shelly. Just rest and don''t worry about it," Fannie said as she stroked Shelly''s hair. "As long


    as I''m around, I''ll make sure you and Lucian stay together as husband and wife."


    "Do you really think Amelia and I care about what''s written on paper?" Lucian snorted.


    "That woman is no longer a part of this family. Never mention her again!" There was so much hate in


    Fannie''s heart for Amelia that she couldn''t even bear to hear her name.


    With a bitter smile, Lucian gazed at Fannie. "Whether I mention her or not, it does not change the way I


    feel about her. Besides, the only reason I came here today is to tell Shelly that I want a divorce." It was


    like Lucian dropped a bomb that shocked everyone into silence.


    "W-what did you say?" Fannie stammered in disbelief.


    "Tell me this isn''t true..." said Shelly,boriously trying to prop herself up. "I love you, Lucian! How can


    you do this to me!"


    The An Group was already in Jonny''s hands. Plus, Lucian had a lot of evidences against Edmund.


    There were also so many despicable things that Shelly had done.


    Shelly was well-aware of this, and just tried her best to look pitiful so that she wouldn''t provoke him any


    further.


    Nichs, on the other hand, knew why Amelia had chosen to leave when she did. She had sacrificed


    her own marriage just to save the family business. Because of this, he had gained respect for her.


    Meanwhile, Emma was thinking about she treated Shelly that same way as Jonny, even if Shelly was


    totally an unexpected child for her. It was just that Shelly often acted too recklessly, and rarely cared


    about others'' feelings. When Shelly and Lucian got married, Emma already knew that Shelly must have


    had some tricks in her sleeve. Because of this, she wasn''t that very enthusiastic about their marriage.


    More important, it was obvious that Lucian didn''t care about Shelly at all. If they went on like this, it


    would do no good to both sides.


    "You know who I love." Lucian looked at Shelly and said calmly.


    "Please... please," Shelly begged, feeling utter panic. "You are the only one I''ve loved all these years,


    Lucian! Even if you don''t feel the same way, I feel so happy to see you every day and be your wife. I


    can''t imagine myself without you. Please..."


    At this point, Shelly had sacrificed a lot of things just so that she could be with Lucian. If he left her, it


    would have been all for nothing.


    Agreeing to a divorce waspletely out of the question for her.


    "Shelly, ever since you married me, you should have anticipated what would happen today," Lucian told


    her expressionlessly.


    Of course, Shelly knew what he meant. Biting her lip, she just looked wordlessly at Lucian.


    "Are you really that heartless? Shelly is still in the hospital bed. Aren''t you being too harsh on her?"


    Fannie defended.


    The only reason she said this was not because she wanted to help Shelly out, but rather she did not


    want Amelia and Lucian to get back together. After all, Amelia was not as easy to use as Shelly. What''s


    more, she was still trying to get control of the Zhan Group.


    Even after all this time, Fannie just could see Lucian as her biological son. Maybe if he treated her


    badly in the future, there was a chance she would gain support from the Zhan Group.


    "I''m sorry, but if you keep interfering with my own personal business, the more I''m obliged to stay


    farther away from you," Lucian countered.


    With a pale face, she stared at him in disbelief. "Is it really so wrong to care about Shelly?"


    "If you really want the best for me, you should respect my decisions." After all, he was a capable man.


    He was very independent, and knew how to handle his own affairs.


    "I see... You don''t want to listen to me at all now. If you insist on divorcing Shelly, then don''t bother


    calling me your mother anymore!" Fannie said angrily. "If that''s what it takes, then so be it," Lucian


    shrugged.


    Hearing this, Fannie waspletely taken aback. She had thought that maybe Lucian would''ve


    changed his mind when she said that. Although it was true that Lucian was grateful that Fannie had


    raised him, his priority was taking care of Amelia. There was no one else in the world he loved more.


    What''s more, she was carrying another life inside of her.

 Chapter 136 Refused To Get Back Together

    Chapter 136 Refused To Get Back Together


    "Nichs, did you hear that? He''s your son!" Fannie pointed at Lucian, trying to find somefort from


    Nichs.


    "I already told you¡ªthey''re all grown up now. You have to stop interfering with their lives." Instead of


    siding with Fannie, Nichs stood up for Lucian.


    "Yeah, Fannie. They''re not kids anymore. We need to leave them alone and allow them to make their


    own decisions," Emma echoed. Emma sighed as she tried tofort Fannie.


    However, Fannie didn''t seem to be convinced. In her mind, Emma and Nichs were only siding with


    each other for Fiona''s sake. Otherwise, they wouldn''t be indulging Lucian like this.


    "What? In the end, your daughter''s going to be left alone and abandoned!" Fannie snapped,


    deliberately provoking Emma.


    Fannie regrly had afternoon tea with Shelly in the Zhan mansion. Every now and then, Shelly would


    mention Emma and the hatefulness in her tone was undeniable. Fannie decided to use this against


    Emma¡ªweaponizing her weakness in an attempt to drive a wedge between her and her daughter.


    "I''ll be sending the divorce papers over to you soon. Take care of yourself." Lucian had already learned


    from the doctor about Shelly''s condition. The doctor said that it was nothing serious and she could be


    discharged after a week of rest.


    Shelly''s face turned pale. She couldn''t believe this was happening and she refused to ept it. She


    cried, "Lucian, you can''t do this to me! I''m never going to divorce you! Never!"


    As soon as Lucian stepped out of the ward, he heaved a huge sigh of relief. With that, he called Jonny


    and rushed to the vi in the south of the city.


    He wasn''t a heartless person by any means but when it came to love, he had to prioritize himself¡ªhe


    wasn''t going to sacrifice his entire life by not being with the woman he loved.


    When he learned the truth from Edmund, whatever little guilt he felt immediately vanished. He felt


    absolutely no remorse for Shelly since this was all her doing anyway.


    Meanwhile, Edmund was exerting all his efforts to stop Lucian from returning to the Zhan Group.


    The front yard of the vi was filled with flowers. With nothing else to do, Amelia spent her time


    watering them and showering them with good words.


    Since Courtney and Kent were back together, they talked a lot on the phone and they were very


    intimate. Not wanting to be a bother, Amelia decided to head downstairs.


    As soon as she finished watering the flowers, she heard a car whistling at the gate. Out of instinct, she


    looked towards the gate and her eyes were immediately glued to the handsome person that was just


    getting out of the fancy car.


    Lucian was exceptionally captivating¡ªhis shirt was snug at all the right ces and even in his slightest


    movement, he was elegant and noble.


    Every time Amelia saw Lucian, her heart would start pounding in her chest and this instance was no


    exception. Frozen in ce, she lowered her head and averted her gaze.


    "Are you watering the flowers?" Lucian asked in surprise when he saw Amelia holding a watering pot.


    While she was happy to see him at first, this didn''tst very long as her mind immediately went to the


    fact that Lucian was forcing her to stay here. Her face darkening, she snapped, "Well, since I have


    nothing to do, I have to entertain myself with whatever I can think of. Wouldn''t you do the same?"


    "Well, that sucks," hemented, frowning.


    As Amelia kept her gaze on Lucian, she felt a mixture of both confusion and happiness arising in her


    heart.


    When did the cool and refined Lucian ever pay attention to such things?


    However, his obvious nervousness made Amelia feel excited.


    "Where''s Courtney?" Lucian asked in an attempt to ward off the tension between them.


    "She''s on the phone," Amelia answered lightly, shrugging.


    With a faint smile on his face, Lucian sighed. "Finally, I was able to y matchmaker."


    "What makes you say that?" A strange feeling came to Amelia''s heart. She thought for a while and


    asked, "Did you help them get together in the first ce?"


    "I just nudged them gently towards each other. Since they genuinely love each other, I didn''t have to do


    much work." Lucian smiled back at her.


    "Thank you." Amelia expressed her gratitude sincerely.


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    "Why?" In Lucian''s opinion, there was no need for her to be so polite to him.


    "Because now that Courtney and Kent are back together, she''s much happier now. She doesn''t fake


    her smiles anymore like before." She was happy for Courtney and she thought that Lucian had done a


    good thing.


    For a long while, Lucian just kept his gaze on her, not saying a word.


    This sudden silence confused Amelia. She looked up at the handsome chiseled face with admiration.


    Lucian''s eyes were dazzling. There was a certain tenderness to it that as they gazed at each other in


    silence, their eyes gleamed of longing.


    Suddenly, Amelia averted her gaze. She couldn''t look into his eyes anymore as she was afraid that if


    she continued to do so, she wouldn''t be able to control her feelings. If that happened, she would just


    fall in love with him all over again.


    "When we get back together, I hope I''ll only ever see nothing but smiles on your face." He closed in the


    distance between them, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. He reached out and gently caressed her


    smooth face, his warm breath hot on her flushed face.


    Mouth agape, Amelia didn''t know what to respond. She didn''t know what to make of this, her brows


    furrowed together.


    Lucian noticed the shift on the look on her face as his eyes reflected a sense of loss and helplessness.


    He didn''t want to force her to answer his question nor did he want to upset her. So he just smiled and


    said, "Let''s go upstairs to see what Courtney is doing."


    Amelia looked at him. She could hardly open her eyes under the sunlight.


    "Is Jonny the CEO of the An Group now?" She couldn''t shake off the uneasiness she felt when she


    watched the news as it said that Jonny and Lucian had conspired together in a power struggle to


    dethrone Edmund.


    "Edmund deserved what he got and Jonny isn''t to me," he replied tly.


    As Amelia watched his face, cold and indifferent as usual, she couldn''t help but think to herself how


    much of a mysterious Lucian still was even after all this time.


    "So are you saying that... You and Jonny are on good terms now?" It seemed that there was no tension


    between Jonny and Lucian anymore and it was obvious in how Lucian spoke about him.


    "Was there a time when we were not?" Lucian frowned slightly and smiled disapprovingly.


    Amelia couldn''t help herself as she rolled her eyes and thought inwardly, ''Any time you and Jonny saw


    each other, you always looked angry. What are you talking about?''


    "Hmph!" With that, Amelia headed inside the vi.


    Just as Courtney was about to head downstairs to look for Amelia, she caught sight of Lucian. Jumping


    off the stairs, she said happily, "Looks like all is well! The lovers are back together!"


    With a smile on his face, Lucian purposely nced at Amelia and nodded. "I''m going through the


    divorce procedure with Shelly now. I can take Amelia back after a week."


    Although he was answering Courtney''s question, his eyes were fixed on Amelia.


    "Divorce?" Amelia suddenly raised her head and looked at Lucian in surprise and disbelief.


    "Yes." Keeping his gaze on her, he made sure he sounded as sure as the sun was going to rise in the


    morning.


    Amelia didn''t expect that he would be so calm as if all of this was nothing out of the ordinary.


    "So does this mean that you and Amelia can start over again?" Courtney looked very excited.


    Lucian answered with a light "Mhmm."


    "That''s just your wishful thinking, isn''t it?" Amelia said coldly once she''d figured out what was going on.


    She didn''t know why but she felt as if her chest was tightening, making it difficult for her to breathe.


    "Amelia, don''t say that..." Courtney pleaded, pulling at Amelia''s sleeve.


    "Courtney, do you think I should just go along with this? Like I''m a puppet with no free will?" She knew


    that Shelly loved Lucian deeply. Even if he didn''t love her, she believed that he shouldn''t be so


    heartless as to just abandon his marriage with Shelly like that.


    When the Zhan Group was in trouble, she signed the divorce agreement to save thepany. Even


    though she admit that she didn''t really think it through, at the very least, the Zhan Group was indeed


    saved. Still, she should keep her promise which was to not have anything to do with him anymore.


    Lucian should be fulfilling his obligation to Shelly as her husband instead of stabbing her in the back


    after the An Group had helped him out in his time of need.


    No wonder Shelly was injured and hospitalized. She didn''t want to divorce Lucian!


    "It''s not like that. You and Lucian love each other. Why shouldn''t you be together?" Courtney couldn''t


    understand where Amelia wasing from.


    "Do you think I would still love a man who doesn''t know how to take his responsibilities seriously?"


    Amelia smiled coldly.


    The indifference in her tone broke Lucian''s heart. Still, on the outside, he kept hisposure.


    "Stop talking nonsense." Courtney pulled Amelia aside and whispered, "Even if you''re not thinking


    about yourself, you have to think about the baby. You want to be a single mom? You sure about that?


    Isn''t that unfair to your baby? You''ve decided the course of his entire life before he could even choose


    for himself."


    Once Courtney mentioned the baby, Amelia immediately softened. That was her weakness¡ªthe baby.


    She didn''t want her baby to have a broken family. Now that it''se to this point, she was finding it


    difficult to decide and she didn''t want to be selfish.


    "I know you still have your doubts and I promise you I''ll spend my entire life asking for your forgiveness.


    Will you consider then getting back together with me?" Lucian offered sincerely.


    "All right. It''s a deal." Amelia looked up at him coldly.


    "I''m a man of my word," Lucian answered confidently.


    As Courtney stood beside them, watching them with her furrowed eyebrows, she couldn''t help but be


    frustrated. They were just about to make up and now they weren''t again?


    After Lucian left, Courtney walked up to Amelia and asked in confusion, "Why are you so stubborn?


    Lucian''s been trying to repair your rtionship and I think you''re just being cruel to him."

 Chapter 137 Where Is Happiness

    Chapter 137 Where Is Happiness


    Courtney didn''t have the heart to say that it was Amelia who had signed the divorce agreement. Lucian


    would have had to deal with tough problems all by himself.


    "I know it in my heart. But I don''t want him and me to be looked down upon by others." What Lucian


    said was right. She had a heavy load in her mind. If that load did not disappear from her mind, she


    could not live peacefully with him. Any rtionship requires mental peace to survive.


    "Is it because of Shelly?" Courtney knew what kind of person Amelia was. She always thought for


    others and always felt bad for others. Amelia was a giver, not self-absorbed at all.


    "There is nothing wrong to love someone. Whatever Shelly has done, Lucian should not let her down.


    Even he has a part in all of this." Then Amelia went upstairs.


    "Your love is so heart-warming. I have to worship Buddha every day to atone my sins," Courtney sighed


    resignedly.


    Amelia didn''t understand what Courtney meant. After she went upstairs, she asked Courtney what she


    had tried to convey.


    Courtney was surprised by the question. She raised her eyebrows, opened her eyes widely and said,


    "Do you remember Melissa? Thedy with sleek long hair?"


    "Yes, I do." It was obvious that she remembered Melissa. After all, she had an episode in the love life of


    Courtney and Kent.


    She remembered that Melissa was pregnant and Kent was forced to marry her. It was an unpredictable


    event. But as adults they had to take a responsible decision to not harm the baby.


    This caught Amelia''s thought. She wondered why Kent had chosen to be with Courtney and let go of


    Melissa''s baby.


    "Don''t look at me in horror. I''m not that vicious." Noticing the change in Amelia''s expression, Courtney


    immediately exined, "Melissa pretended to be pregnant. But she didn''t expect that Kent would find


    out. All she wanted was me and Kent to break up. So that she can have him to herself."


    "So what does it have to do with Lucian? How is all of this connected?" Amelia''s heart twitched when


    she addressed him by his name.


    "Lucian was the reason why I made up with Kent," said Courtney. She was extremely grateful that


    Lucian helped her. Courtney smiled and said, "I''m not the kind of woman who will go back or hold to the


    old times. I rejected Kent when he tried to make up with me. He asked Lucian to tell me the truth. Then


    I gave him a chance to make up with me and fix our rtionship."


    "So you went on your honeymoon with Kent without telling me. I thought you were open to me." She


    was still indignant that Courtney had kept her in the dark.


    With a sly smile, Courtney exined to Amelia, "Lucian rmended to travel. He told me that there


    was still some misunderstandings between Kent and me. During the trip, we talked more freely to each


    other and sorted out all the issues. It seemed like his idea would help us fix everything. After the trip,


    I''m in a good rtionship with him again. We talked in person and discussed all possibilities. Can''t


    thank Lucian enough for this."


    Courtney happily narrated the details of the trip and their rtionship. But she didn''t notice the sadness


    on Amelia''s face in her excitement of exining the entire scenario.


    Lucian and Amelia still had feelings for each other. But they might not go back to the old days of being


    intimate.


    Jonny and Lucian sat face to face on the corner sofa in a quiet tea restaurant. With a joyful smile on his


    face, Jonny let out a long sigh of relief and said, "Things have finally beenpleted ording to the


    n. Now we can sleep well. Finally!" Then Jonny took a sip of tea leisurely after he was relieved that


    everything was sorted.


    Lucian was frowning since he entered the room, looking very morose. Noticing the displeasure on


    Lucian''s face, Jonny figured out what he was thinking about and asked, "Didn''t Amelia forgive you?"


    Somehow, Jonny felt a little bit joyful and couldn''t help wondering if he could get Amelia''s heart ahead


    of Lucian.


    But he became calm quickly after giving it a slight thought.


    "She thought I would let Shelly down by doing so. Well, I can''t read her mind," replied Lucian worriedly


    while sipping the hot tea.


    "Amelia always thought for others before herself. That''s what''s special about her. She is the most


    selfless human I have met," Jonny praised her with a smile.


    Lucian knew all about Amelia''s character and how much effort she took for others. But he was worried


    if it would make Ameliapromise for others.


    "Shelly shaped herself as a victim. The media put out false usations about Amelia and bad news


    came out of nowhere all across the papers. This deepened the misunderstanding between us. Amelia


    won''t believe me no matter how much I exin to her. She would only believe what she sees and


    hears," Lucian frowned. The more he thought about it, the more difficult it was to handle it. It seemed


    like an inseparable mix of problems.


    Lucian looked distressed when he spoke of his situation. Jonny took dark pleasure in his misfortune


    and said, "This woman is really troublesome. You got to handle this."


    Lucian pressed his lips and said nothing. His face looked solemn and he was out of words considering


    the turmoil.


    "Let me have a talk with Amelia. I hope it works out," suggested Jonny.


    Lucian became puzzled by the idea. But he thought that they might have known each other for a while


    and made up his mind to agree. He nodded and said, "Thank you!"


    "Hey, you just say thank you to me for Amelia." Jonny felt extremely strange. He smiled and said


    seriously, "I don''t want to be the CEO of the An Group any longer. When my father realizes his


    mistakes, I will return it to him. That''s the best I can do for now."


    Lucian knew that Jonny wanted to develop his own career path. He had always been strong headed


    when it came to excelling in his career and acquiring independence.


    "Anyway, try to be harmonious with your family. Your bond shouldn''t be affected by all of this," Lucian


    said with a slight smile.


    Lucian was figuring out things on his own while speaking to Jonny. Fannie was extremely angry at his


    decision while Nichs remained neutral. After Amelia forgave Lucian, he had to persuade Fannie and


    Nichs.


    Lucian received a call from Amelia when he was about to leave the cafe. He stared at her name on his


    phone with a happy smile.


    But he frowned unconsciously when he answered the phone.


    Jonny was watching this good y with great joy on his face while sitting opposite to him. He figured


    that Amelia was on call by seeing the expression on Lucian''s face.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.


    "It''s been one week. Time up! You must fulfill your promise!" Amelia said angrily. She couldn''t be all


    alone any longer.


    Lucian raised his eyebrows and answered her word by word patiently, "Of course! I will keep my


    promise. Please calm down. I''ll be right there."


    Lucian noticed the excitement on Jonny''s face when he was talking to Amelia. He made a sidelong


    nce at him and said, "You''re old enough to find a girlfriend."


    Suddenly, it clicked that his words would have hurt Jonny. But to his surprise, Jonny smiled proudly and


    said, "You''re always annoyed by love. I cannot stand that. So I give up that idea."


    "I used to be an envious pair with Amelia," Lucian returned reluctantly.


    A hint of pain shed in Jonny''s heart. But he didn''t change his expression. Instead he smiled and said,


    "Go ahead, this is a long battle. I''m on your side. Don''t lose her."


    Lucian was about to drive to the vi in the south of the city to visit Amelia. But on the other hand, he


    felt that his visit would only cause her to be more emotional and their rtionship would turn more


    complicated.


    The priority now was toplete the divorce procedure with Shelly and clear off the misunderstanding


    he held in Amelia''s heart. It was no longer possible to manage both the rtionships as it would only


    cause more problems.


    When Lucian arrived at the hospital, a nurse was cleaning up the ward and she informed that Shelly


    had already been discharged from the hospital before few hours.


    It waste summertime and the vi shone under the sunlight like a zing gem. The white gauze


    curtain moved with the breeze. Amelia stood in front of therge French window gluing her eyes to the


    gate, hoping to see Lucian. A week had passed and her mind was paranoid without getting out of the


    vi.


    Amelia kept waiting for Lucian''s arrival. But he hadn''t reached even after her standing near the window


    for two hours. Life seemed pointless to her.


    "Amelia, would you like toe over and have some water?" Seeing that she was standing near the


    window expecting Lucian, Courtney walked over and called her.


    Amelia shook her head and was disappointed that Lucian couldn''t match up to his promise. She


    remembered that he promised her over the phone that he woulde. But he didn''t keep his word.


    "In my opinion, you can live here. It is good that you can ess all facilities, good food and living


    condition. The scenery is very beautiful and you are anyways connected to nature. It is very suitable for


    a pregnant woman," said Courtney with an intention to persuade her.


    Amelia frowned tightly and shook her head without thinking after listening to Courtney.


    "Every second I stay here is a torture for me. I can''t do this anymore."


    She hated that she would be hesitant when she had to face Lucian. She wanted to distance herself


    from him. But she was extremely attracted to him and it was a tough choice.


    "But we can''t go out now?" Courtney threw up her hands resignedly.


    "You are totally on Lucian''s side now. If I want to leave, you won''t help me. Why can''t you try to


    understand my mental state?" Amelia pretended to be aggrieved.


    "The reason why I''m on his side is because I want you to be together again. I have only good


    intentions," Courtney exined patiently.


    Amelia just wanted to find a way to leave this ce.


    "It''s okay to live here. But I have to live as a normal person every day. I''m going shopping. Would you


    like toe along?"


    Amelia knew that Courtney''s favorite thing in the world was shopping. She tried to coax her in this way.


    Amelia had noticed Courtney''s obsession with luxe by seeing her attire and designer bags.


    "Shopping?" Courtney''s eyes obviously shone out of excitement. She grabbed Amelia''s arm excitedly.


    "Then let''s go to the door and say hey to the guards. I think we should definitely go."


    "Okay." Amelia nodded with relief.


    There were always some coincidences in the world. Just as they reached the gate, they saw a ck


    limo outside. They thought it would be Lucian as he promised toe. But it turned out to be Jonny.


    "Oh my God! He''s so handsome!" Courtney had seen Jonny before. He was dressed in sportswear and


    looked as warm as the sun. But he looked extremely cold when he took off his sunsses, as if nobody


    should approach him. Courtney couldn''t stop staring at him. She was enamored by his looks.


    He walked towards Amelia with a cold face as if he hade to report something important.


    "Hey, long time no see, Amelia. How are you doing?" Jonny greeted gently with a sweet smile.


    "Hey, you think I''m invisible?" Courtney said in an unconvinced tone. She was dissatisfied with the fact


    that there was only Amelia in Jonny''s eyes. Courtney wanted Jonny to notice her too.


    Jonny suddenly burst intoughter and greeted with a serious look, "Miss Courtney, long time no see.


    How are you doing?"


    "Wow, look at you. You are not the same person anymore!" Courtney smiled slightly. She pointed at


    Amelia and said to Jonny, "I have to call my boyfriend back. Take your time."


    Courtney knew that Jonny came there to talk with Amelia, so she left quietly. She figured that the


    matter was of much importance.


    Amelia opened her mouth and wanted to say something. But when she saw Jonny, she controlled her


    anger. As Amelia was a selfless person, she always had the difficulty to open up in such situations.


    Amelia was thinking in her head that she had finallye up with an idea to get out and now it wouldn''t


    happen as Jonny arrived.

 Chapter 138 Each One Has A Story

    Chapter 138 Each One Has A Story


    Amelia looked at the familiar surroundings. She knew this vi well. She brought Jonny into the hall and


    made him a cup of tea. Her actions resembled a hostess rather than a guest.


    Jonny quietly stared at her moving around the hall withplicated emotions in his heart.


    "Congrattions, Jonny." Amelia sat opposite to Jonny and gave him a polite smile.


    Jonny took a sip of tea and raised his cup, almost as if he was mocking himself. "Congrattions!" He


    knew that Amelia was too naive to understand why he was so engrossed in fighting with his father.


    "It''s good news. Congrattions!" Amelia gazed at him with a sincere smile.


    "Then, I''ll take your blessing." A bitter smile formed on Jonny''s lips.


    Amelia''s brows drew closer in concern when she saw that lonely smile on his face. "So, will you


    continue to be a designer?"


    Ever since Jonny took over the An Group, he had been busy. She wondered how he would manage to


    keep up with his hobby.


    "You know me well." Jonny''s lips curved up to sh a big grin to Amelia.


    A trace of blush formed on Amelia''s cheeks. "Of course, I do! You are a fashion designer."


    "Rest assured. I know Lucian is the only one in your heart." Jonny wanted to tease her, but his heart


    couldn''t help but be jealous.


    Amelia frowned when Lucian was mentioned.


    "What''s wrong? You look pale." Jonny fixed his eyes on changed expressions, thinking she was sick.


    Amelia wasn''t paying attention at first, but a thought suddenly stuck in her head. Maybe she could ask


    Jonny''s help? She excitedly looked at him.


    "Jonny, I have been here for a week." When she didn''t receive any response, she pouted.


    "Don''t you think this ce has a pleasant environment?" Jonny narrowed his eyes at her and


    pretended to be confused.


    "I''m not happy. I just want to get out of here." She couldn''t tell him that she wanted to leave the ce


    rted to Lucian.


    "Let me guess, you want to hide from Lucian, don''t you?" "Lucian and Shelly are getting a divorce. If


    you two love each other, you can be back together." He said that bluntly with a straight face.


    Amelia was stunned. "Do you also think like that?"


    "Yes?" Jonny looked at her in confusion. She was still hesitant as usual. That was why Jonny didn''t


    want to tell Amelia that he was responsible for taking care of her until she would go back to Lucian. If


    Amelia could read his thoughts, she would definitely wallop him.


    "Miss Shelly is your biological sister. No matter what happens between you two, she''s your family. Do


    you think it''s appropriate to do so?" Amelia thought no one would understand the dilemma in her mind,


    but she instead wanted to be reasonable.


    "I don''t want her to be unhappy because she is family," Jonny said gently.


    "Unhappy?" Amelia looked at him in a daze, frowning slightly. A secondter, her facial features


    rxed when a thought crossed her mind. "So it must be Lucian''s fault."


    She felt a pang of guilt in her heart. If only she had maintained her distance with Lucian, Shelly would


    have been happy. She felt so angry and confused.


    "Amelia, please don''t overthink." Jonny paused for a moment and gathered his thoughts in his mind.


    "You think you''re doing it for Shelly and Lucian''s reputation, but have you ever thought about your


    actions?"


    Jonny''s blunt words startled Amelia. Her heart was filled withplicated emotions.


    "I..." Amelia''s mind went nk, and she didn''t know what to say.


    "Do you know why I took over the An Group?" Jonny asked all of a sudden.


    Amelia forgot all the difort she felt a while ago and shook her head.


    "My dad wasn''t very good to my mother. I can vaguely remember the scenes from my childhood. He


    would beat her fiercely, you know? I used to hate him to death, and I still don''t like him. I wanted to take


    revenge on him and give justice to mom. So my father is now the one who should be punished. I can''t


    stand him using our family for his benefit." Jonny could feel storming emotions rising in his heart, but


    his face remained expressionless.


    Everyone had their own hidden stories. Amelia used to think that Jonny never liked this father. She


    hadn''t thought about it, but the reality was out of her expectations.


    Jonny noticed a trace of guilt in her eyes and smiled. "I didn''t want to win your sympathy by saying this.


    I wanted you to realize something. If my father hadn''t asked Lucian to marry Shelly, your situation


    would''ve been different. In fact, my dad was the controller behind the Zhan Group''s crisis. Now, do you


    understand?"


    After that, the An Group helped the Zhan family, and Lucian got married to Shelly...


    "I can tell you everything. But, of course, you will hate me." Guilt had shadowed Jonny''s heart. If he


    failed to reveal his words, the shadow might never wither away.


    Amelia didn''t know what he meant.


    "Jonny, just say it. I won''t hate you." She took a deep breath and watched him confidently as if she


    could handle anything.


    "Do you remember a mysterious man giving you the idea?" Jonny hesitated beforeying out his cards.


    Amelia nodded and tried to think. A gasp escaped her lips when it dawned on her. "Are you that


    mysterious man?" Her shocked eyes stared at Jonny for a long time.


    He nodded, and an apologetic smile formed on his lips. "Please, forgive me for what I did. I was just too


    focused on my dad, you know? I really didn''t mean to win your heart."


    Even if he had Amelia in his heart, he knew that their rtionship was impossible.


    All of a sudden, Amelia fell into silence. She didn''t know what to say.


    Amelia sat in a daze for a long time. She could understand how Jonny felt about his father, but why did


    he have to y tricks on her?


    Still, Jonny was the only person helping Lucian at a critical time like that.


    "Jonny, you''ve helped me a lot. So, I forgive you." Amelia shrugged with a smile.


    "If you can forgive me so easily, then what about Lucian? Why are you still hesitating?" Jonny seemed


    have kept beating around the bush, but once again he got to the point.


    Amelia pursed her lips, trying to calm her messy mind.


    She didn''t know how to exin it.


    "Jonny, do you know if Miss Shelly is discharged or not?" Concern was evident in her voice.


    "Come on!" Jonny was irritated by her stubbornness. He had thought that his words couldfort and


    motivate her. Was it all going to be in vain? Just as she was about to open her mouth, Jonny shook his


    head and smiled helplessly. "Shelly''s fine, but her divorce with Lucian is confirmed."


    Amelia''s face turned pale at that. "Is there no other way?"


    "Do you think I don''t know you? You aren''t putting yourself in Shelly''s position. I think you are trying to


    hurt her instead." Jonny''s words echoed in her mind.


    Amelia lowered her head to hide the emotions in her heart. Now that she thought about it, she had


    been moody recently for no reason.


    "Shelly got everything by tricks. Both you and Lucian are victims. But you aren''t a saint yourself. If you


    hadn''t made that decision for a divorce, you wouldn''t have suffered. Didn''t you know the consequences


    of your actions? You''ve left a scar on Lucian''s heart, but he never med you. Now that he is trying to


    get you back, why are you trying to hurt him again?" Jonny''s speech was so blunt that Amelia couldn''t


    help but be stunned.


    What Jonny said was like a blow to her heart. In the past, Courtney had said the same thing. Amelia


    would always get whatever she wanted, which she did by asking for a divorce. Now that Jonny''s


    thoughts were also in the same line, she was having second thoughts. Did she really make a mistake?


    "I never wanted to hurt anyone, let alone Lucian. But I''m happy that I met him." Amelia felt that Lucian


    was her sun. He had saved her from her broken heart and the mockery smile of Sophia and Ynda.


    He was her protective wall.


    "Don''t worry. He''s still yours, and you deserve him." Jonnyforted her and said, "You would surely


    regret losing him as long as you''re alive."


    Jonny wanted to say another thing, but he didn''t want to see Amelia suffer. If she ended up bing


    too anxious, the result would be the opposite.


    Amelia was speechless by the time Jonny finished his words.


    Jonny smiled at her before leaving. Amelia sat in the living room until dinner. That was when Courtney


    came downstairs. "Don''t worry. We will just keep looking for a solution."


    Courtney''sforting voice rang in Amelia''s ears before it became severe. In the end. Amelia could


    only helplessly gaze at her friend and said, "Mom taught me to keep my promises. I had promised to


    Shelly that I would not disturb her and Lucian''s life."


    Shelly was now a thorn in her heart, and no one could persuade her to feel otherwise. Amelia''s heart


    started sinking deeper in pain.


    "Why are you so stubborn? Even Jonny said that it was a trick yed by Shelly. But what you are doing


    now is too much. Why don''t you work on taking back your happiness?" Courtney didn''t think it was a


    big deal for Amelia and Lucian to get married again. Even though they loved each other, they had to


    separate due to unforeseen circumstances. The current situation did give Amelia another chance to


    make it up to him. Courtney thought Amelia was a fool to let him go just like that.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Amelia had a headache after discussing the same topic with every single person she met. "Are you


    hungry? I''m going to cook."


    "Kent has brought us some delicious food." Courtney''s face lit up when she thought of him.


    Amelia released the breath she had been holding, although she was happy for Courtney. "Will you


    forget about me now that you have a boyfriend?"

 Chapter 139 I Will Make Your Life Worse Than Death

    Chapter 139 I Will Make Your Life Worse Than Death


    "Oh, stop saying that," Courtney murmured in embarrassment. She ced her hand on Amelia''s


    shoulder and said, "When Kent and I first started dating, I never left his side for even a minute. But now


    that we''re back together, I want to spend more time with you."


    Amelia couldn''t help butugh when she heard Courtney''s reply. "Well, that''s great to hear! Thank you."


    Courtney had looked happier and livelier since her reconciliation with Kent. She would spend her free


    time chatting him up on the phone and the couple easily passed hours this way.


    "You said Kent is bringing us some food?" Amelia asked, an ideaing over to her.


    Courtney thought she must be hungry. She stood up and said, "He''s supposed to be here by now. I''ll go


    out and take a look."


    ''If Kent could easilye inside and out of the vi, I can find a way out then, '' thought Amelia.


    She followed Courtney to the gate and saw Kent arriving. He stepped out of his car carrying a huge


    bag of food.


    "Why are you sote?" Courtney asked annoyed. The spoiled and snappy girlfriend in her was


    showing.


    "I got stuck in traffic. Are you hungry? You must be starving," Kent said with a worried expression on


    his face. He looked at her like there was no one else in the whole world.


    "It''s not about me. It doesn''t matter whether I''m hungry or not, but I can''t let my godchild starve. Come


    in!" Courtney replied. She took the bag of food to free his hands.


    It was only then when Kent noticed Amelia who had been standing behind Courtney. Awkwardly, he


    smiled and apologized, "Sorry, Amelia. It''s rush hour. Traffic was terrible."


    Kent looked like his former self, Courtney''s tamed pet.


    With a bright smile on her face, Amelia teased him, "Why are you so afraid of her?"


    Hearing her words, Courtney red at Amelia and said, "Well, I was worried that you and the baby


    might be hungry, but I guess this is what I get for caring about you."


    They bickered like old friends as they would always do until their hunger became too painful to ignore.


    "Courtney, can you go ahead and set the table? I just have something to talk about with Kent," Amelia


    lied. She was actually trying to look for a way out.


    Courtney thought it was an odd request from Amelia, but she also considered that they hadn''t seen


    each other in a while. She wanted to ask what they were going to talk about, but decided against it and


    went straight inside.


    "Kent, can you do me a favor?" Seeing Kent''s car, Amelia thought of the best way to escape.


    Kent patted his chest and said with a righteous smile, "Anything, Amelia! We''re good friends. Tell me


    what you need and I''ll help you."


    Kent''s deration of friendship and generosity moved Amelia. She made a small gesture of pointing at


    the guards stationed at the gate and said in a hushed voice, "Kent, I just have to get a few things from


    the store and make a quick trip to the Mo family. Can you take me there?"


    Kent''s smile turned into a frown. With a dark look on his face, he said ufortably, "Does Courtney


    know about this?"


    As expected, Kent worried the most about how his girlfriend would react. But Amelia knew that if


    Courtney learned about her ns, she wouldn''t be able to leave.


    "She doesn''t have to know. It''s just a short trip anyway. Or, if you''d rather stay here with Courtney, will


    you let me borrow your car?" Amelia asked. She didn''t want to put Kent on the spot, but she had to go.


    "Courtney told me you''re pregnant. It won''t be good for you to drive," Kent said.


    "Who says pregnant women can''t drive? Come on! Courtney''s waiting for you. Go inside and I''ll be


    back before you know it!" It seemed to Amelia that Courtney hadn''t told Kent why she wasn''t allowed to


    leave the vi. She couldn''t waste this opportunity.


    Excited with the prospect of spending time alone with Courtney, Kent happily handed over his key.


    "Will you walk me to the car first? The door is a little heavy for me," Amelia said. Amelia knew that if


    she walked out alone, the guards would stop her.


    Kent agreed and walked Amelia to the car. He opened the door for her and she took her ce in the


    driver''s seat. When she started the engine with his key, she felt relief wash over her.


    Amelia thanked Kent and drove off. The road was wide and was rather empty in that part of the city.


    Amelia had no trouble driving. She had not driven a car in a while because thest time she did, she


    scraped and damaged the vehicle. Driving felt a bit strange at first, but she thought that she was getting


    the hang of it.


    Amelia knew that Courtney would immediately call Lucian once she learned that she''d left. Amelia


    thought that the best way to go about was to find a safe ce to park Kent''s car and take a cab to a


    secluded area.


    When she arrived downtown, Amelia found a wide parking space and stopped. She had just stepped


    out of the car when she locked eyes with a familiar woman. The shock drained the color out of Amelia''s


    face.


    "Miss Shelly?" Amelia cried. The city was huge. She didn''t consider that she''d bump into her.


    "I''m not Miss Shelly anymore. I''m Lucian''s wife!" Shelly said arrogantly. Her red lips were pursed but it


    looked like she was gritting her teeth.


    "Oh, yes." Amelia nodded with an embarrassed smile.


    "There''s something we have to talk about. Get in the car!" Shelly coldly said, pointing at the red Ferrari


    behind her.


    Amelia was surprised, but she followed her obediently.


    There had been a great misunderstanding between Shelly and Amelia, and Amelia thought that she


    finally had the chance to exin her side and patch things up. But as soon as she got in the car, she


    realized that following her had been a mistake.


    "Hmm!" A pair of hands stretched out from the back seat and grabbed her. In the blink of an eye, she


    felt the stranger bind her arms with ropes. Everything happened so quickly that Amelia didn''t have time


    to react.


    Before Amelia could cry for help, Shelly had already ced a piece of duct tape over her mouth.


    "You went out on your own today. Surely, this must be fate," Shelly said with a cruel smile. She


    continued, "I knew you were at the vi south of the city and it was lucky for me that you showed up at


    the gate. I followed you all the way here. If you hadn''t gone out of the car, I don''t think it would be this


    easy for me to get you. But look at you now. It''s because you''re so stupid, Amelia."


    Amelia thought that she was seeing Shelly''s darker side. She looked even more malicious and horrible.


    Amelia felt that she could actually kill her.Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Shelly drove the car over a bumpy stretch of road. Amelia wanted to cover her belly to protect her baby


    but her hands had been bound. Cold sweat was trickling down her forehead.


    She wanted to tell Shelly to stop the car, but she couldn''t say a word. The tape was stered tightly


    over her mouth that she could barely breathe.


    She leaned her head against the seat and focused on breathing through her nose.


    It was a scene taken straight from the movies. Shelly only pulled over when they reached an


    abandoned garage.


    "Make sure you tie her hands and feet tightly!" Shelly ordered the man in the backseat who had


    grabbed Amelia earlier. There was no expression on her face. When Amelia saw Shelly''s eyes, she


    thought she only saw hate.


    "Yes, Miss Shelly," the man said. He looked tall and strong.


    "Drag her out!" Shelly ordered after checking the ropes holding together Amelia''s feet.


    "Yes, Ma''am!" the man replied before he violently pulled Amelia out of the car. Unable to use her arms


    and legs, Amelia fell hard on the ground.


    She fell face down and had to roll over because she couldn''t wiggle herself free.


    Shelly watched as Amelia struggled before bursting intoughter. "I''ve waited so long to see you like


    this, Amelia!"


    Shelly sounded mad. With arms crossed, she casually walked to Amelia and stepped one foot over her


    chest.


    Amelia struggled to crawl away. She didn''t care about her safety; she only cared about the baby inside


    her. She could stand any form of torture, but she had to protect her child at all costs.


    Shelly forcefully ripped the tape off her mouth and stared at Amelia with a look of victory. "If there''s


    something I can''t get, I''ll make sure that you won''t have it either."


    Shelly had felt like she lost everything when she received the signed divorce papers from Lucian. At


    that moment, she was no longer afraid of anything. The only persistent thought in her mind was that it


    was Amelia who ruined her marriage. If it weren''t for her, Shelly would''ve been happy.


    "I have nothing to do with Lucian! Why are you doing this to me?" Amelia didn''t expect that Shelly could


    be this violent. As thetter continued to crush her chest with her foot, Amelia struggled to maintain


    consciousness.


    Shelly''s eyes narrowed into slits. She shouted loudly, "Do you think I''m stupid? How dare you tell me


    that you have nothing to do with him when you just came out of his vi?"


    Lucian had immediately filed for divorce as soon as Jonny had taken control of An Group from


    Edmund. He was so determined to go back to Amelia that he didn''t even consider how his actions


    affected Shelly''s rtionship with him.


    Amelia knew that Shelly would misunderstand Lucian''s intentions of protecting her. She bit her lip and


    kept her silence.


    For Shelly, nothing Amelia could say would make any difference.


    "Lucian thought that he was keeping the love of his life safe in his house, but someone just had to go


    for a drive, isn''t that right? It''s destiny that brought us here. God wants me to get rid of you, you bitch!"


    Shelly raged.


    But Amelia kept struggling. The ropes were cutting into her skin but she didn''t feel any pain. She only


    thought about her baby.


    Feeling that it was impossible to break her hands free, Amelia tried to move her legs. Reading her


    intentions, Shelly kicked her legs. Amelia winced in pain.


    "There''s no point in struggling. You will die today." Shelly had specifically chosen the abandoned


    garage for this n. She knew that it was so far and secluded that she could do as she pleased without


    disturbance.


    "Do you really think that killing me would solve all of your problems?" Amelia asked. Hot tears were


    streaming down her cheeks. She couldn''t believe that Shelly could actually threaten her life.


    Shelly was wearing a pastel pink dress, which made her look like a princess from afar. But a closer look


    at her eyes would show that she had gone mad with jealousy and hate.


    "I have nothing to lose now. I don''t care about anything," Shelly casually said, shrugging her shoulders.


    Amelia found her sympathy for Shelly. Looking at her, she said sincerely, "I''m a woman, too! I


    understand your pain. It''s never wrong to love someone, but if that person doesn''t love us back, why


    should we take it against ourselves? Why should we let love ruin us?"


    "Save it. Your words won''t have any effect on me," Shelly said coldly.

 Chapter 140 Extreme Torture

    Chapter 140 Extreme Torture


    Amelia pressed her lips as she felt sore all over her body that even her feet were numb with pain.


    It was already half past seven but the sky was still visible. Shelly took out a bottle of water and downed


    it all in one gulp. "Do you want some?" she asked arrogantly.


    Amelia looked away and said coldly, "Miss Shelly, this is not a TV drama. You can stop now."


    Shelly was emotionless. She wasn''t focusing her energy on controlling her anger instead she was


    ying tricks. She opened the bottle, held the bottle midair, and poured it on Amelia''s face.


    Amelia tried her best to dodge, turning to the side in an attempt to avoid the cold water sshing all


    over her.


    However, Shelly was quick. Soon, Amelia was having trouble breathing with all the water pouring down


    on her, she kicked her legs helplessly.


    "Hahaha..." Shellyughed evilly. In a mocking tone, she taunted, "Amelia, do you want to know what


    you look like right now? If this gets out to the news, your squeaky clean image will be tainted. I don''t


    think Lucian would find that attractive, wouldn''t you?"


    "Miss Shelly, I respect you. I know I promised I wouldn''t be involved with Lucian anymore but now


    you''re just being mean. Aren''t you ashamed of yourself?" Amelia wasn''t softhearted anymore. At the


    most, she merely tolerated Shelly but if Shelly wasn''t going to be a decent human being then she was


    definitely going to fight back.


    The mockery on Shelly''s face was gone as it was reced with a stone cold look. She stared at Amelia


    and said, "So I''m guessing you''re showing your true colors now?"


    "Sucks for you because I did feel guilty but at the moment, I don''t have any left," Amelia answered


    coldly.


    Shelly was irritated. She crouched down, reached out her hand, and raised Amelia''s face by cing


    her finger on Amelia''s chin. She said coldly, "So this is the face Lucian''s so obsessed with, huh? I


    wonder what would happen if I scratched it. Would he still like it?"


    Amelia stared at Shelly warily when she saw that Shelly had taken out a dagger. It gleamed under the


    light as Shelly gripped it with her hand.


    It never urred to Amelia that something she thought only happened on TV would happen to her as


    well. This was horrifying.


    Shelly hadpletely lost her mind. Amelia knew she couldn''t provoke Shelly any further¡ªshe had to


    look for ways then to distract Shelly.


    The answer was pretty obvious: Lucian. If they talked about Lucian, she could stall Shelly a little bit


    longer.


    "Aren''t you curious how Lucian really feels about you?" Amelia didn''t know what to say so she tried to


    talk nonsense.


    To her surprise, it worked. Shelly paused as she gazed into Amelia''s face with interest. "How Lucian


    really feels about me?" she pondered.


    Amelia was quick to notice that upon the mention of Lucian, the anger and hatred on Shelly''s face


    disappeared.


    Amelia slowly blinked, trying to choose her words carefully as she spoke, "He told me if you behaved


    better, your marriage could actuallyst."


    As soon as the words left her mouth, she immediately felt bad for Lucian.


    However, she had no choice as she had to stall Shelly and this was the only way she could do that.


    "Did Lucian say that?" Shelly was a little skeptical. She took out the dagger again and drew it nearer


    Amelia''s face.


    Amelia would be lying if she said she wasn''t scared¡ªthe dagger was so near her face. Just the


    slightest movement and her face could easily get cut.


    "If you don''t believe me, you can call him to confirm. I don''t have a reason to lie anyway." Amelia


    coughed to cover up her lie.


    "Call him..." Shelly echoed softly as if she was speaking to herself. Suddenly, she seemed to have


    realized something as she jolted and turned to look at Amelia. "If I call Lucian, he''s going to find out


    where I am then he cane and save you. Do you think I''m stupid, Amelia?"


    Shelly wasn''t buying it at all.


    Amelia felt a slight pain in her stomach as a burst of panic came over her. Her face was still wet and


    her forehead was sweating heavily.


    She gritted her teeth and endured the pain silently. Seeing the sky gradually darken, her heart started


    sinking. In desperation, she thought inwardly, ''Am I just going to die here along with my unborn child?''


    "Are you afraid?" When Amelia didn''t say a word, Shelly smirked. "I really don''t understand why Lucian


    likes you so much. You''re so stupid and oblivious! Thank you for your cooperation though. If you hadn''t


    signed that divorce agreement, Lucian and I never would have gotten married."


    Amelia had heard from Jonny that Shelly was behind the whole thing. At first, she thought that Shelly


    only did all of that because she loved Lucian but now, she knew that it was more than that¨CShelly was


    crazy, insane, and violent.


    Snidely, Shelly added, "Do you remember the time when that fruit vendor terrorized you? That was me!


    I nned that!"


    "You!" Amelia was pissed off. She had thought that it was Edmund behind that incident but it turns out,


    it was Shelly who had nned the whole thing.


    "I don''t even need to do anything now. If I wanted to, I could kill you right here, right now," Shelly


    threatened, gnashing her teeth. At that moment, Shelly looked like a lunatic. She seemed to relish in


    Amelia''s helplessness and anger.


    Amelia looked at the dark sky as a thought came over her.


    That afternoon, Amelia wouldn''t even listen to a word Jonny was trying to tell her as she thought that


    he was just persuading her on behalf of Lucian. But now she realized that that wasn''t the case at all,


    Jonny was telling the truth this whole time.


    Out of guilt, she kept refusing Lucian who wanted to get back together with her because she was


    thinking of Shelly.


    Now she realized she was wrong but obviously, it was toote now.


    She was trapped and Shelly had a dagger to her face. No one was going toe save her. They were


    in the middle of nowhere.


    She closed her eyes desperately. The pain wasn''t important for now but she felt as if something broke


    loose inside her. Her heart ached but it''s not like she could do anything.


    Just as Amelia was about to give up, a strong beam of light suddenly shone on them.


    Ccontent ? exclusive by N?/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Shelly immediately panicked. She stepped on Amelia''s face and spat on it too as she warned her, "If


    you say anything, I''m going to make sure you pay for it!"


    It hurt so much that Amelia didn''t have the strength to even groan. She weakly opened her eyes and


    watched as Shelly hurriedly went inside the car.


    Gradually, everything turned into a haze. Biting her lower lip, she tried to stay awake and conscious,


    wanting to see who hade to rescue her. Was it...?


    "Amelia..."


    The male voice was familiar however Amelia had already drifted off.


    After that, she had a long dream. In her dream, a handsome young man dressed in white stood in front


    of her, a huge smile on his face. Even though he was standing from a distance, she could still smell his


    scent¡ªfresh grass, minty, refreshing.


    In a gentle voice, he whispered, "Don''t be afraid. From now on, I''ll protect you forever."


    Suddenly, the young man fell off the cliff as time and space suddenly shifted. For a moment, all she


    could see was his hand desperately clinging to something¡ªsomething she couldn''t quite make out.


    Frightened, she began to run in an attempt to save the young man.


    "No! No!" Amelia cried anxiously.


    "Amelia. Don''t be afraid. I''m here. Don''t be afraid..." Lucian stayed by her side the entire time. When he


    heard Amelia''s frightened voice, he held her hand and tried tofort her gently.


    Amelia still hadn''t opened her eyes. Everything was still a blur. She couldn''t distinguish what was real


    and what was not. It seemed as if everything was just a dream.


    She thought she saw Lucian¡ªstanding in front of her in all his handsomeness. He was charming and


    captivating, his deep eyes affectionately fixed on her.


    She stood in front of him, blushing and her head lowered in shyness. The next moment, he stepped


    forward and pulled her towards his arms, enveloping her in his warmth.


    "Lucian... Lucian..." she murmured.


    "Amelia, Amelia..." Lucian called back.


    When he found her, her hands and feet were tied. She had bruises everywhere and her lower body


    was bleeding. Lucian felt as if he was going to copse upon seeing Amelia in such a state.


    Throughout his entire life, he''d been through so many hardships but never had he broken down like


    that.


    When he took her to the hospital, he impatiently waited for the results, never leaving the hospital. The


    entire time he felt as if his heart was going to jump out of his chest. Filled with remorse, he wanted to


    hit his head against the wall in guilt. He felt as if it was his fault that this happened to Amelia. If only


    he''d protected her, this never would have happened.


    As soon as he found out that Amelia had left the vi, he immediately went out to look for her. He also


    asked most of his friends to search for her in the city.


    Amelia didn''t wake up until the following night. When she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw were


    the white walls and the strong smell of disinfectant fluid immediately filled her nose. With that, she


    knew she was still alive.


    She looked around and noticed that Lucian was lying on the bed, holding her hand tightly.


    Amelia slightly moved her finger which woke him up right away.


    "Amelia..." he whispered softly, his eyes still half closed.


    Her heart was immediately filled with warmth.


    "Are you okay? Are you feeling any pain?" he asked nervously as he stood up, a worried look on his


    face.


    Amelia''s lips were dry and parched. Putting on a wry smile, she said, "I''m fine."


    "Don''t move. I''ll call the doctor first." Lucian was enlivened now that Amelia was finally awake.


    Amelia felt sore all over her body and her eyelids still felt heavy so much so that she fell asleep once


    again.

 Chapter 141 Might Lose The Baby

    Chapter 141 Might Lose The Baby


    After the doctor checked up on Amelia, Lucian helped her return to her ward. When Amelia hadid


    down, he quietly sat at her bedside. He was currently thinking about what the doctor had told him, and


    was getting very worried.


    Taking Amelia''s hand, he put it to his lips and kissed her fingertips gently. There were a lot of different


    feelings surging up in his heart.


    The baby wasn''t getting enough oxygen because of the amount of activity Amelia was doing. Because


    of this, the doctor said that there was a chance that they might lose the baby. Lucian was starting to go


    out of his mind when he learned this.


    It was a good thing that Amelia had a strong will.


    As per the doctor''s orders, Amelia should rest as much as she could. If there was anything she


    needed, she had to let someone else do it for her.


    Shortly after the examination, Amelia had finally woken uppletely.


    ncing at the ward with white walls around, Amelia eyes fixated on Lucian. "Is the baby...Is the baby


    okay?" she asked weakly, putting her hand instinctively on her belly.


    Thest thing she remembered was the dull paining from her stomach, and the feeling of


    something slowly leaving her body. And so, her first natural reaction when she woke up was to ask


    about their unborn child.


    Lucian pressed her hand against his cheek. "Don''t worry. The baby''s fine. Just get some rest," he


    comforted.


    Seeing Amelia anxious like this made his heart ache. Guilt washed over him as he felt like it was his


    fault that Amelia was suffering this much.


    "That''s good... The baby''s still here," Amelia muttered under her breath, a faint smile ying on her


    lips.


    "You should get some sleep. I''ll just be right here beside you." There was so much love in Lucian''s


    voice when he spoke to her.


    "What about you?" Amelia asked as she saw his tired eyes. "You should rest, too."


    There were dark circles under Lucian''s eyes which made Amelia''s heart ache.


    "I''m fine. I''m just so relieved that you''re okay," he replied, still tightly holding onto her hand.


    If anything happened to Amelia this time, he would have never been able to forgive himself.


    Fortunately, she and the baby were fine. However, the bruises all over her body made him incredibly


    uneasy and pained.


    Later that afternoon, Courtney and Kent came to the hospital to visit Amelia.


    "Kent and I can look over her in the meantime," Courtney told Lucian. "Get some rest first."


    Kent lowered his head, fearing Lucian might snap back at them for being there.


    "No, it''s okay. I won''t be able to get any sleep anyway if Amelia''s out of my sight," replied Lucian,


    looking over at Amelia with loving eyes.


    With a sigh, Courtney walked over beside the bed and held Amelia''s hand in hers. "You''ve always


    looked so fragile and weak," Courtney said. "And yet you''ve survived so many bad things in your life.


    You will get better Amelia! I know it!"


    "She''ll probably wake up again in a while. Maybe then you can try and lighten up her mood," Lucian


    suggested. ''Hopefully Courtney won''t be too straightforward and blurt out something that will make


    Amelia worried,'' he thought to himself.


    "How about the baby? Is the baby okay?" Courtney asked nervously.


    "The doctor said there''s a possibility of miscarriage," Lucian exined with a frown. "Amelia needs to


    stay in the hospital for at least a week so that they could observe her and the baby closely." It was


    important that Amelia moved around as little as possible.


    During this time, Lucian had already decided that he would never leave her side.


    "What a vicious woman Shelly is! I will definitely teach her a lesson when Amelia gets better!" Courtney


    sneered angrily.


    "Calm down," Kent told Courtney. "Mr. Lucian just said that we should talk about positive things around


    Amelia." "We''re not at work right now, Kent," Lucian said.


    "You can just call me Lucian." Although Kent was fairly surprised, he nodded in agreement.


    Slowly, the tense expression on his face rxed a bit. Up until now, Kent was thinking that if he hadn''t


    let Amelia borrow his car, she wouldn''t have gotten hurt in the first ce.


    Luckily, Lucian didn''t me him.


    Since Courtney and Kent were already there, Lucian stepped out of the ward for a while. Shortly after,


    Amelia opened her eyes. The first thing she saw was Courtney''s worry-filled face.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    "Courtney, rx. Give her some space," Kent said as he held Courtney back.


    "Sorry I made you worry about me," Amelia weakly said with a smile.


    "Don''t say sorry. I''m just so grateful that you''re still in one piece," Courtney stood up and turned around


    to wipe off her tears.


    When Courtney hadst seen Amelia, she saw how Amelia was tied up with ropes. Bruises covered


    her entire body. The sight of her dear friend almost made her pass out.


    "What do you want to eat? Kent can cook it for you," Courtney said. "I''m not much of a chef myself. But


    Kent is really good in the kitchen!"


    One side of Amelia''s face was still swollen and purple. It was fine with her if she wasn''t allowed to


    move -- twitching a finger or raising an eyebrow was already so painful.


    Amelia looked around the ward, her eyes frantically searching.


    "Lucian just went out to talk with the doctor. He''ll be here soon," Courtney reassured her.


    Hearing this, Amelia felt at ease. "What did Lucian do to Shelly? He hasn''t caused trouble, has he?"


    "Don''t think about that," Courtney said, pressing her lips into a fine line. "I don''t know what Lucian did


    or will do to that woman, but once you recover, I''m going to tear her to pieces myself!"


    ''It looks like Shelly really just depended on the An Group''s wealth and power to get what she wanted,''


    Courtney thought. At this point, anyone could tell that the An Group had changed. It would be difficult


    for Shelly to be more indiscreet about her ploys.


    "Courtney, remember what Lucian just said earlier," Kent said in a low voice as he tugged at Courtney''s


    sleeve. "You''ve just woken up, Amelia," he continued. "There''s no need to think about these things just


    yet."


    At that moment, the door opened.


    It was Lucian, and he had with him a bowl of soup in his hand. When his eyes met with Amelia''s, he


    immediately walked up to her bedside with a smile. "Hey, I''m sorry I wasn''t here when you woke up,"


    he said tenderly. "Are you hungry? Lily made this chicken soup for you."


    Although she wasn''t in the mood to eat anything, hearing that it was Lily''s soup that she liked so much


    made her hungry.


    "You''re such a charming guy, Lucian," Courtney teased. "Amelia had her eyes instantly glued to you


    since you''ve stepped in that door. I am honestly very jealous."


    A happy smile bloomed on Lucian''s face, and his heart was filled with warmth.


    Seeing Lucian''s smile made Amelia feel happy as well. Her lips twitched into a faint smile. But as soon


    as she did, a sharp pain surged up her face, making her wince.


    "Don''t move. I''ll help you eat." Lucian helped Amelia up and said softly.


    "Kent, let''s go back to prepare the dinner for Amelia. Looks like Lucian''s gotten Amelia covered


    already," Courtney said, nudging at Kent''s side. It looked like Lucian and Amelia needed some time


    alone together. Not wanting to ruin their moment, Courtney thought it was best that she and Kent went


    on their way.


    After they said their goodbyes and well wishes, the ward was quiet again.


    Amelia was a little embarrassed at first that Lucian had to spoon-feed her like this. But after coaxing


    her a bit, she let Lucian help her eat.


    Maybe it was because of the soup, or perhaps because Lucian was there right beside her. Whatever


    the reason, Amelia started feeling much better. Her bright eyes went intently fixated on his face the


    entire time.


    Lucian would even lightly blow on the spoon to make sure it wasn''t too hot for her.


    He took out his handkerchief and gently patted away some of the soup that trailed down the corner of


    her mouth. No matter how gentle he was, Amelia was slightly wince in pain. Seeing her like this made


    his heart ache so badly.


    "Is there something wrong?" Amelia asked, sensing the sadness in Lucian''s eyes.


    Raising his eyebrows, Lucian shrugged and said with a smile, "It''s nothing. Just finish your soup."


    It looked like things were back to the way things were between them. However, everything that had


    happened to lead them to this moment made Lucian very upset.


    After Amelia finished her soup, Lucian stood up and grabbed a clean towel and dampened it with some


    water. "Did the doctor really say I couldn''t get out of bed for an entire week?" Amelia asked curiously.


    Walking back over to her, Lucian gently wiped her face and hands. "Yes. Don''t worry. I''m here to do


    everything for you."


    Hearing this, Amelia''s face got hot. ''What if I need to take a bath or go to the bathroom?'' she thought


    worriedly.


    "I can help you get to the bathroom, too," he immediately said, seeming to read Amelia''s thoughts.


    "W..what?" Already feeling embarrassed, Amelia felt even more self-conscious when Lucian started to


    move her hospital gown away to wipe the rest of her body.


    Amelia was so nervous that her heart was beating wildly in her chest. On the other hand, Lucian just


    continued to wipe her body with calm look on his face. This reminded Amelia of a movie she watched


    before. The heroine of the movie was sick and couldn''t get up. The love interest of the heroine cooked


    soup for her every day and took care of her. There was not a day that he left her side.


    Watching what was happening in front of her, Amelia was deeply touched. Tears welled up in her eyes.


    "Hey. Why are you crying?" Lucian noticed the tears from the corners of Amelia''s eyes and asked


    worriedly, "Did I hurt you?" There were bruises all over her body -- bruises which came from the kicks


    Shelly had given her.


    Amelia shook her head and answered in low voice, "No... I... just feel so happy you''re here."


    After everything that had happened, being here with Lucian suddenly made things better. Because of


    this, she was even more reluctant to leave him.


    "You little fool... Did you think I was joking around when I promised to take care of you?" Lucian quickly


    wiped away the tears from her eyes and kissed her softly on her lips.


    "Don''t cry... I might start to cry as well. Plus, it''s not good for the baby," he continued. These words


    really hit on Amelia. With a sniff, she gave a slight nod.


    "I''m sorry.... I''m really sorry. This is all my fault," Lucian apologized, his voice breaking. There was so


    much love and regret in his heart at the moment. For one, he was thankful that Amelia was stable for


    now. But he couldn''t help but think that this wouldn''t have happened to her in the first ce if it weren''t


    for him.


    Amelia couldn''t helpughing, "Are you going to let it go if you are sorry?"


    She thought that Lucian would say something to contradict her, but to her surprise he just stood up and


    kissed her on her forehead.


    This sudden action made her blush even more.


    "Ahem!" A cough came from the door.


    Straightening up, Lucian saw that Jonny was at the door, a wicked smile on his face. "You came at a


    rather inappropriate time," Lucian told him.


    Jonny pretended to cover his eyes with embarrassment. "I think I might need to wash my eyes with


    bleach after seeing that," he exaggerated.

 Chapter 142 Confession Of Love

    Chapter 142 Confession Of Love


    "You''re just jealous!" Lucian snapped in a harsh voice. There was an undertone of yfulness in his


    voice despite his words.


    Amelia had never seen Lucian speak to Jonny that way. But Lucian''s words and manner seemed to


    have no effect on Jonny. He wasn''t mad at all. Instead of saying something back to Lucian, Jonny


    turned to Amelia and said, "Amelia, I really wanted toe and see you as soon as possible, but he


    didn''t let me because he was afraid that I would steal his thunder and get more of your attention."


    Jonny gave a mischievous smile.


    "Since when did you two be so ridiculous?" Amelia asked with a slight smile. She was visibly


    amused by the way that they spoke and jested with each other.


    "Lucian may sound gutsy sometimes, but the truth is that he is a very shy person inside," Jonny


    remarked. He took the opportunity to make another verbal swing at Lucian to the amusement of


    Amelia.


    Lucian knew that Jonny was only cheering Amelia up with his words so he didn''t reply back. He felt


    d when he saw the smile on Amelia''s face as well as the sound of her light giggle.


    Amelia didn''t say anything but she was smiling and had started to giggle. She then turned to Lucian


    who was peeling an apple for her, her eyes filled with love, and asked, "So, when did you learn this


    skill?"


    He may not know how to properly wash the dishes, but he surely had a skill with peeling fruit.


    Her words sounded like she was ttering Lucian. Lucian nced at Jonny proudly then said to Amelia,


    "I''m quite amazing, aren''t I? Do you want to reward me with a sweet kiss?"


    His eyes closed slightly as he faced Amelia and waited for her to kiss him.


    Jonny felt embarrassed and said, "Lucian, how could you show us that face? It''s disgusting!" He then


    burst into a thunderousugh.


    "Jon... Mr. Jonny, please don''t worry. I would never act like him," Amelia remarked with a serious tone


    of voice. The amused smile on her face slightly faded away and was reced by a slightly yful


    smile.


    She almost addressed Jonny by name only and she felt bothered. She remembered her promise to


    Jonny that she would never call him Jonny in front of Lucian. She was able to correct herself


    immediately this time. But she was worried that she might slip someday.


    There were several situations when she almost slipped. She then remembered that Lucian would


    object every time she referred to him as Mr. Jonny.


    "Why can''t I get a kiss from my wife? You call me Mr. Lucian because I am your husband. But you


    should call him Jonny An. Not Mr. Jonny." Lucian sounded jealous. His words sounded like he wanted


    Amelia to immediately change the way she addressed Jonny.


    "Amelia, you can call me Jonnyter," Jonny said in an offhand manner as he shrugged his shoulders.


    "Jonny is too intimate. His name is Jonny An," Lucian countered immediately before Amelia could say


    anything.


    "Don''t you think it''s impolite to call him that?" Amelia asked in a low voice. She nced at Lucian and


    stared at him briefly, she wanted to see right away how he''d react.


    "Just be yourself, Amelia," Jonny said to cheer Amelia. There was a light smile on his face as he was


    visibly amused with Lucian''s statements.


    "Okay...Jonny," Amelia replied. She stressed Jonny''s name to show that she changed the way she


    addressed him based on his suggestion. Jonny had always been very dear to Amelia. He was


    responsible for helping Amelia get over the pain of losing her mother. Lucian, on the other hand, was


    the one who brought love back into her life. One was a very dear friend while the other was her dearest


    lover. Both were very important men in Amelia''s life.


    Hearing Amelia call him Jonny made him feel warm inside. He smiled back at Amelia and then said,


    "Think of me as your brother from now on. Let me know if Lucian bullies you and I will take care of


    him."


    "Since Jonny became the CEO of the An Group, he has been able to keep his word." Ameliaughed


    at Lucian''s remark. She stared at Lucian and said in a jesting tone, "If he dared to mess with me, I will


    make him pay back double!"


    "You know what, it''s a strange kind of happiness to get teased by you." Lucian''s brief words sounded


    very sweet to Amelia and it made her feel good.


    Text ? owned by N?velDrama.Org.


    Jonny twisted his face like he was carrying an unbearable weight as he watched them. But when he


    saw that they finally resolved the misunderstanding between them and had started to get along well


    with each other once more, he said in a voice that had a tone of relief, "Look at you two. You are so


    close once more. I don''t need to y the role of mediator anymore for you."


    Lucian and Amelia didn''t say anything. They stared at each other and then smiled. They both


    understood the irony in Jonny''s words.


    "You two should get remarried as soon as possible! Have a grand wedding ceremony so that you could


    invite me!" Jonny demanded with an impish smile that made him look like an overgrown kid. He then


    laughed slightly at his own jest as he slightly nodded his head.


    "Let''s have a toast then!" Lucian immediately suggested with a tone of pride and happiness.


    "If you get drunk, you couldn''t enter the bridal chamber," Jonny replied with a naughty smile. Lucian


    laughed slightly as he shook his head.


    Amelia felt embarrassed by their conversation and bowed her head.


    Jonny bowed to the couple and said to them with a smile, "As much as I''ve enjoyed yourpany,


    there are ces that I need to be so I bid you both, good day." Amelia looked up when she heard


    Jonny''s words and found that he had already left.


    "You and Jonny are used to making fun of each other, aren''t you?" Lucian and Jonny grew up together


    and they were very close since they were kids.


    "Yes. Just as you''ve seen earlier." Lucian shrugged as he stared straight into Amelia''s eyes. He smiled


    at her as she stared back at him. She wondered what he was thinking as he stared straight into her


    eyes. "Are you thirsty after all thatughing? I''ll go get you some water."


    "Yes, a little," Amelia replied and nodded like a little boy.


    Lucian took good care of Amelia during the week that she was hospitalized.


    When she got out of the hospital, Lucian brought her straight to the SJ Garden. When she asked why


    he didn''t return her to the vi in the south of the city, he said that the SJ Garden was their original


    home and he nned to move into the vi with Amelia after the baby was born.


    They got back together without anyplication like it was a natural thing. It was like their being


    together was decreed by a higher power.


    Lily prepared the bedroom and made a nutritious soup when Amelia was discharged from the hospital.


    Lily waited at the gate when they arrived at the SJ Garden. She was excited when she saw Amelia that


    she rushed to meet her as she got off the car. "Mrs. Amelia, you''re finally back!" she eximed with joy


    as tears brimmed in her eyes.


    Lily waited for Amelia to return to the SJ Garden. She had hoped that her rtionship with Lucian


    would soon be back to normal. She was worried when she learned that Amelia was injured and had to


    be hospitalized.


    "Lily, the wind is strong and cold. Let''s get Mrs. Amelia inside," Lucian suggested to Lily in a low and


    gentle voice.


    Lily quickly wiped her tears and then nodded. "Mrs. Amelia, let''s get inside," she said as she helped


    getting Amelia into the house.


    Although it was summer, the wind was cold and strong. Lucian immediately wrapped Amelia with his


    suit jacket as soon as she got out of the hospital.


    It had been four months since thest time she had been here, but she didn''t feel anything different.


    Everything felt the same as before, as if the four months that she was away was nothing but a dream.


    And now that she''s back, she felt that she was now waking up again.


    "Let me help you get to the bed," Lucian offered. He was worried that Amelia would be tired after the


    trip from the hospital.


    "I''ve been lying in bed in the hospital for a week. I think I''d rather take a seat first," Amelia replied with a


    frown. She seemed eager to get to the sofa as they walked towards it.


    "Okay," Lucian agreed. He helped her to the sofa in the bedroom. He then poured her a ss of water


    and then started to gently applied medicine on her bruise.


    The bossy man cared for Amelia as she watched. He squatted in front of her as he carefully applied


    ointment on her bruise.


    When she was in the hospital, he took care of her daily. He ended up getting only three to four hours of


    sleep each day. Although he was always in good spirits the next day, fatigue reflected on his face and


    eyes became bloodshot.


    But since Amelia was discharged from the hospital and was back to their house, Lucian could start


    catching up with hisck of sleep.


    Lucian finished applying ointment on Amelia''s bruise and was about to change the dressing when his


    phone rang. He ignored the ringing and had no intention to answer his phone. Amelia touched his


    forearm and said, "Lucian, answer it. It might be important."


    "Okay." He stood up and took his phone to answer it. He nced at the caller ID and frowned as he


    turned his back to Amelia.


    Lily appeared at the door of the bedroom at the same time with a bowl of steaming soup in her hand.


    Lucian approached Lily as he held his phone to his chest. "Take care of Mrs. Amelia. I need to take this


    call," he said to Lily in a low voice and hurried out of the room.


    Amelia smiled when she saw Lily and never noticed that Lucian''s face was grim. She called out to Lily


    as she tapped the edge of the sofa, "Come and sit here with me."


    "Mrs. Amelia, I am so happy that you have been discharged from the hospital. I am sure that I will have


    a good night''s sleep tonight!" Lily said with a smile and a lightugh.


    "Wow, I''m so d that you will finally have a restful night''s sleep," Amelia replied and smiled back at


    Lily.


    "My life has been too peaceful and boring since you left here," Lily revealed in the same enthusiastic


    voice. She put some of the soup into a smaller bowl for Amelia. She then carefully handed the bowl of


    soup to her. "Here. This is good for you and also good for the baby''s development. Even though you''re


    no longer in the hospital, it''s a good idea to have plenty of rest."


    Amelia took the bowl as she smiled at Lily. She was touched by Lily''s kind and sweet words. She


    quickly finished two servings of soup and then saw Lucian pass outside the bedroom door. "Give


    Lucian a bowl of soup too," she said to Lily.


    "Mrs. Amelia, you are truly kind to Mr. Lucian and love him very much," Lily said in an intentionally loud


    voice so that Lucian would hear them talking as he entered the bedroom.


    Amelia''s face blushed at Lily''s words. She looked at Lucian with a shy expression but noticed that he


    was preupied. She immediately thought that something serious bothered Lucian''s mind and so she


    asked he about it right away, "Lucian, is everything alright?"


    Amelia''s voice brought Lucian back to his senses immediately. He turned to Amelia and saw her


    looking at him with worry-filled eyes. He instantly smiled sweetly at her. "It''s nothing."


    "Lily made some soup. Have some. Then you can have some sleep afterwards." He was not able to


    sleep well when Amelia was in the hospital and she noticed that he was a little thinner than his usual


    self. He sat down with Amelia at the sofa and took a bowl of soup from Lily.


    "Lily, please take care of Mrs. Amelia. I have to go back to the office for a while," Lucian told Lily after


    he finished his bowl of soup. He then handed the bowl carefully back to Lily.


    Amelia didn''t know exactly what happened. She assumed that since Lucian took care of her while she


    was in the hospital and he was with her the entire time, work at thepany piled up and now Lucian


    had to catch up to the umted work. She touched his shoulder and then said in a soft voice,


    "Lucian, I''m almost fully recovered. You can take care of the affairs at thepany now."


    Lucian was touched by Amelia''s words. He kissed Amelia''s forehead and then replied in his usual


    husky voice, "I''ll be back as soon as I finish. There is something that requires my immediate attention."


    Lily''s face blushed with embarrassment as she watched the two lovers. She sat at the opposite side of


    Amelia and bowed her head. Lucian stood up, straightened himself and took his suit jacket on his way


    out of the bedroom. After Lucian had gone, Lily turned to Amelia and said, "Mr. Lucian really loves you


    so much, Mrs. Amelia.


    You''re really the only woman for him." Amelia felt very happy when she heard Lily''spliment. Her


    face suddenly radiated with the happiness that she felt.


    Lucian went straight to his car after he left SJ Garden and drove straight to the Zhan mansion.


    Darren told Lucian on the phone that Nichs was seriously ill and asked him to go back to the


    mansion as soon as possible. Lucian was not able to say much on the phone and decided to go there


    right away. He decided that it was best to conceal everything from Amelia so that she would not


    be worried. So he put on his usual face even though worry was eating at his heart.


    He immediately left his car as soon as he arrived at the Zhan mansion. He went straight to Nichs''


    bedroom when he got into the house. When he reached the bedroom, he saw Nichs lying on the


    bed with his eyes closed. He kept murmuring ''Fiona'' again and again even though he was visibly


    having a hard time breathing.


    Lucian knew that Fiona was his mother''s name.


    "Dad, it''s me, Lucian. How do you feel?" Lucian asked as he gripped Nichs'' hand with both of his


    hands. He sat at the edge of Nichs'' bed and then turned to the doctor who stood at the opposite


    side of the bed. "How is he?" he asked the doctor with pleading eyes.


    "Mr. Lucian; Mr. Nichs'' blood pressure spiked up to a very dangerous level. I suspect that something


    severely distressed him," the doctor exined in a worried voice.

 Chapter 143 Go Back To The Sweet Days

    Chapter 143 Go Back To The Sweet Days


    "Something distressed him?" Since Nichs had a hard time moving around, Darren had to constantly


    be by his side.


    When the doctor finished the treatment and had given him prescriptions, Nichs was immediately


    relieved. Lucian then headed downstairs to ask Darren about what had happened.


    "Mr. Lucian, I think it must have something to do with Mrs. Fannie." Darren was so nervous that his


    hands were trembling. He then told Lucian what had happened. "This morning when Mrs. Fannie got


    up, she left with a suitcase. Mr. Nichs began to cough nonstop that he fell on the ground. His


    forehead was swollen..."


    Angrily, Lucian questioned, "I can''t believe you didn''t tell me right away when that sounded like an


    emergency to me!"


    Darren began to panic upon seeing that Lucian had gotten angry. Hurriedly, he exined, "Mr. Nichs


    told me not to tell you because you were preupied with Mrs. Amelia. He didn''t want to add to your


    problems..."


    After that, Lucian calmed himself down and ordered, "Cook some porridge and send someone to find


    out where Mrs. Fannie is."


    "I have already sent out several of my men to look for Mrs. Fannie. I assure you, Mr. Lucian, that we


    are doing something about this," Darren replied respectfully.


    When Lucian returned upstairs, the attending doctor had just finished Nichs''s infusion. He then


    reported to Lucian about Nichs''s current condition.


    As Lucian stood in front of the bed, an array of mixed feelings surged inside him.


    Since he took control over the Zhan Group, he rarely came back home mostly for two reasons: the first


    one was that he already had his hands full with the business and the second one was to avoid his


    mother''s nagging about him getting married.


    "Lucian, what are you doing here?" Nichs asked hoarsely when he opened his eyes.


    "Dad, I asked the servant to cook porridge for you. Would you like some?"


    Seeing his son''s nervous look, Nichs consoled him, "Don''t worry. I''m fine. I''m just getting old. My


    blood pressure tends to act up when I''m stressed or worried."


    This didn''t help with Lucian''s concerns¡ªhe only grew more worried for Nichs. When the servant


    came up to serve the porridge, Lucian fed Nichs.


    Lucian had never done this before which was why Nichs was happy that his son was taking care of


    him.


    "Has Amelia been discharged from the hospital?" Nichs asked in concern after he had finished


    eating.


    "Yes, she''s already out of the hospital." With that, Lucian finally told his father about the pregnancy.


    "Dad, congrattions. You''re going to be a grandpa!"


    Nichs was visibly stunned for a long while until he finally recovered and happiness spread across his


    face. "What? Amelia''s pregnant?"


    Lucian nodded with a smile. "So you have to stay healthy! You have to meet your grandson!"


    Hearing this, Nichs grew excited. Smiling in relief, he said, "Wow, Amelia''s the hero of our family. If it


    weren''t for her, our family would have lost all its fortune and now she''s pregnant? You should cherish


    her."


    "I know." Lucian nodded. Like Nichs, Lucian was grateful for what Amelia had done for the family.


    He knew Amelia was the one he would spend the rest of his life with.


    N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    From the very beginning, Nichs already liked Amelia. It was only Fannie who disapproved of her.


    However, now that things had gotten to this point, Fannie''s disapproval didn''t mean a thing anymore.


    "Dad, did you and mom fight this morning?" Lucian asked in a low voice. He figured now was the best


    time to ask since Nichs seemed to be feeling better already.


    Upon hearing this, Nichs sighed. "Well, you don''t really have anything to do with it but your mother''s


    been suspicious for a while. She thinks that since you''re not her biological son, you''re going to cut her


    off. She''s worried about her shares in the Zhan Group. I was so angry that I said a few harsh words to


    her. She yelled, threw some things, cursed at me..."


    "I just heard you call my mother''s name..." Lucian fixed his gaze on Nichs''s grim face.


    Startled, Nichs then let out a sigh. "I''ve been dreaming about your mother a lot recently. I''ve been


    missing her, you know, especially now that I see her in my dreams."


    "Mother''s been gone for more than ten years. I bet you have trouble keeping your memories of her."


    Lucian''s memory of Fiona was a bit scattered. He had a few happy memories of her but as time


    passed, the memory of Fiona''s face was bing more and more blurred.


    It''s not as if they were purposely trying to forget about Fiona but rather, it''s just what time does when


    someone dies. Still, whenever they remembered Fiona, her memory was still imprinted in their minds.


    It was already evening when he returned to the SJ Garden from the Zhan mansion. He was exhausted.


    As soon as he entered the house, he saw Ameliaing up to him. He was surprised to see her. Then


    he asked, "It''s sote. Why aren''t you in bed yet?"


    Amelia looked adorable in her cartoon-printed pajamas. Her hair was messily pooled up into a bun atop


    her head and she wasn''t wearing any make-up on her face, still she looked charming.


    Amelia scratched the back of her head and said with a smile, "Well, I''ve been sleeping so much during


    the day that when night timees, I can''t fall asleep anymore."


    In reality, she was waiting for him but she didn''t want to admit it lest he feel guilty about leaving.


    "Let''s go. I need to talk to you." Lucian''s eyes were red and swollen, but the moment he saw Amelia,


    his tiredness faded away.


    "Are you busy with work?" Amelia poured a ss of water for him. Seeing his bloodshot eyes, she said


    in concern, "I''ll run a bath for you. You can head to bed after your bath."


    Seeing her frown, Lucian reached out his hand to smooth out her knitted brows. In a soft voice, he said,


    "I don''t feel tired anymore now that I''ve seen you."


    "That''s too cheesy." Amelia lowered her head shyly as she wriggled herself free from his arms. "I''ll run


    a bath for you."


    Hearing the sound of running water from the bathroom, Amelia became a little nervous. Although she


    had lived with Lucian for a period of time, they hadn''t been together in over four months which made


    her feel a little embarrassed.


    A few moments after the water stopped, Lucian walked out of the bathroom with a white towel wrapped


    around his waist. Instinctively, Amelia looked away but wasn''t able to help herself as she quickly


    returned her gaze to Lucian after a few moments.


    She knew that Lucian was in good shape but as Lucian stood in front of her, half-naked, she couldn''t


    help but be nervous. Her face flushing, she buried her head and pretended to fix the quilt.


    "Let me help you." He strode to the bed and wrapped his arms around her waist. Not saying a word, he


    tightened his embrace.


    Lucian gave Amelia a sense of ease every time he held her.


    Before they got divorced, they hugged for thest time and Amelia made sure to not prolong it. At this


    moment, she didn''t have any lingering feelings of guilt like before. This time, she relished the hug and


    the sense of security that it brought her.


    They stayed that way for a long while, inpletely silence. She could feel his warmth breath and


    smell his familiar minty scent that always rxed her.


    Everything was real. They were together again.


    "Looks like I''ll be sleeping soundly tonight," Lucian teased as he held her in his arms.


    Amelia responded by saying that it was the same for her. She missed him every night before she fell


    asleep. All the moments she spent with him was so precious to her. Before she went to sleep, she


    would daydream to deal with the pain of missing him. Sometimes, it wouldn''t help as she''d end up


    tossing and turning in her bed all night long.


    Amelia wrapped her arms around Lucian''s waist, tightening her grip as if she was afraid to let him go.


    Lucian loosened his hands around her waist and held her face with his hands. His deep eyes met hers,


    full of affection and tenderness. Then he slowly covered his lips with hers¡ªthe kiss was beautiful, light


    and epassing like a flower in the spring just about to blossom.


    Amelia woke up early the next morning. She found Lucian was still sleeping soundly next to her.


    Propping her head against her hand, she obsessively stared at him, relishing every feature of his face.


    Everything about him was absolute perfection¡ªhis strong eyebrows, his high nose, his thin lips, and


    that smile. That beautiful smile that captivated her every time. ''He''s so attractive even when he''s


    sleeping!'' Amelia thought to herself.


    She lightly nted a kiss on his forehead. Then she decided to do it again and again. She did it


    repeatedly as she liked kissing him on the forehead.


    She felt as if every time she kissed him on the forehead, she was relishing the sweet juices of a cherry


    freshly picked from the tree. Suddenly, she flushed and covered her mouth, snickering to herself.


    What she didn''t know was that Lucian had already woken up the first time she kissed him. Not wanting


    to ruin it for her, he pretended to still be sleeping and hoped to himself that she wouldn''t stop.


    When Amelia attempted to get out of bed, he purposely pulled her towards him. A bit startled, she


    didn''t dare to move again.


    Lucian had wrapped his arm around her waist which meant that she couldn''t get up anymore.


    Amelia tried to move Lucian''s hand away but he wouldn''t budge.


    "Be careful, the baby..." Amelia whispered. She was actually trying to see if Lucian was just pretending


    to be sleeping.


    "What''s wrong with the baby?" "What''s wrong?"


    Amelia looked at the nervous Lucian and let out a chuckle.


    After a short while, Lucian came to his senses. He stretched out his long arms, held Amelia in his arms,


    and pinched her nose. "Good. You''re getting good at tricking me, I see."


    "I thought you liked it when I teased you," she said yfully.


    Lucian loosened his hand that was pinching her nose and caressed her face. "Of course, Mrs. Amelia, I


    give you permission to tease me forever."


    "Humph! You''re lying!" He liked that they were slowly returning to their normal dynamics.


    Amelia got up and went to the bathroom. She asked, "Do I still have any toiletries here?"


    "What do you think?" Lucian proudly asked her.


    "Well, you did get married to someone else for a while..." Amelia said, feigning innocence. Lucian shot


    her a warning look to which she grinned at. Lightly, she said, "I''ll just take a quick shower."

 Chapter 343 Thank You Note

Chapter 343 Thank You Note


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